Creative, quick-witted, charismatic, and friendly, Bangor Area High School senior Mason Snyder has spent his high school years balancing leadership, creativity, and teamwork. From earning the rank of Eagle Scout to competing on the esports team, Snyder has embraced every opportunity to grow while preparing for a future in mechanical engineering.

What activities (sports, clubs, jobs) have you been involved in during high school?

In high school, I’ve been a part of the Bangor Area High School e-sports team for two years, playing a competitive video game called Marvel Rivals (my mains are Mr. Fantastic and Deadpool). Outside of school, I have been a part of Boy Scout Troop 41 for seven years. I recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout in March. I also started my first job at Sam’s Club this month.

What are your plans after high school (college, career, military, etc.)?

After high school, I plan to further my education by going to college to study mechanical engineering at both Northampton Community College and Kutztown University. I chose this career because I enjoy building, designing, and creating new projects. I would like to take that innovative passion within me and put it into a lifelong career I’ll enjoy. I hope to contribute to the further advancement of society.

What activity has meant the most to you and why?

The activity that meant the most to me was Boy Scouts. I’ve been a part of scouting as a whole for over 10 years, and I’ve learned a lot on my journey, such as survival skills, morality, friendship, brotherhood, and leadership. I enjoyed my time as a scout in Troop 41, and I will regard those times as some of the best years of my life.

Describe a specific moment or memory from that activity.

When I first joined scouting, the first campout I went on was during the winter right after a massive snowstorm. We slept in wooden pavilions, and I questioned whether I was truly built for scouting. I wondered if I could make it through challenges and trials like camping in the blistering cold for the first time. I learned to endure, overcome, and enjoy the moment. The memories I have of scouting have stuck with me and taught me so much.

What is one challenge you faced and how did you handle it?

One challenge I faced in my scouting journey was definitely climbing the higher ranks like Star, Life, and eventually Eagle because I was seen as one of the older scouts and had a lot of newer responsibilities since the younger scouts looked up to me. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it, but with time I got the gist of things and stepped into a few leadership roles for my troop (Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader). While I was focused on helping the younger scouts with their rank advancements, I didn’t know how to manage time for my own. After finding my footing, working on my merit badges, and adjusting to life at different schools (PA Cyber/Bangor Area High School), I focused beyond Life rank and into Eagle rank, where after a long time of planning, budgeting, construction, and execution, I had finally made it to the top of the ladder: Eagle rank.

What is your best high school memory and why?

My best memory from high school has to be joining the high school e-sports team. I made quite a few friends from playing competitive video games side by side, and I furthered my interests through the people I met (Marvel/comic books, music). I also learned more about teamwork, composition, and execution while playing Marvel Rivals alongside my teammates.

If a movie were made about your life, what would it be called and who would play you? Why?

If a movie were made about my life, it would be titled Trailblazer: The Mason Snyder Story. It would be tough to pick someone to play me, but two of my choices include Joseph Quinn and Tom Rhys Harries because I think they both share a close resemblance to me, and one of my friends says I have a close resemblance to Quinn’s Human Torch in Fantastic 4: First Steps.

Who is someone who had a big impact on you and why?

One person who has had a big impact on me would probably have to be my father because of his great guidance, dedication to his work and family, and service to his country in the USMC. I’ve always looked up to my father because of the years he spent teaching me basic life skills, right from wrong, and helping me onto the path that I walk today. I am proud of my father, and I am honored to be his son.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

10 years from now is pretty far away, but the best outlook I can see for myself is probably living north in New York or back out west with family, working in mechanical engineering on projects that help my city or community wherever I roam and reside. I could also see myself potentially starting an organization for mechanical engineering and maybe leading a local scouting troop if I choose to. I don’t know what life will throw at me, and I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, but one thing I do know is: “The wheel in the sky keeps on turning.”

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

A few things I would like to mention about myself personally are:

• I have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
• I like music a lot, and I’m very passionate about it. My favorite artists are Blink-182, Metallica, The Strokes, Sam Gellaitry, Nirvana, and Genesis.
• I like superheroes a lot. I enjoy reading comic books, watching Marvel or DC movies, and playing the Insomniac Spider-Man games on PlayStation. My favorite superheroes are Daredevil, Star-Lord, The Punisher, Batman, White Widow, and Deadpool and Cable.