4 Vol. 1 Issue 9 March 8, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS Heather Clark
She first started out in it to get volunteer hours and spend time with friends, but as Heather Clark got involved in Gliding Stars she learned that the program was more than just a way to spice up her college applications. Gliding Stars has been Madi Endicott a part of Heather's life for two years and not only has her time been given to the community and helping others, but she says the experience has taught her a lot about herself. She loves the kids and while she's teaching them to skate, they're teaching her important life lessons. “They're all so happy all the time,” says Heather. “They don't take things for granted and really appreciate us being there. We complain about little, stupid things while they are dealing with a bigger problem and never complain.” Who says volunteering can't be fun? Heather encourages you to get involved like she did in Gliding Stars because it can benefit a lot of people, including yourself.
What is your funniest moment in Gliding Stars? One girl always tells me how bad I am at ice skating which is funny. I'm there to help but really they are better than me. Roller coasters or water slides? Roller coasters. My favorite is the Dragster. Who inspires you? My MaMaw. She had breast cancer and still goes out of her way to help people. What is the most complex thing you can cook? I can't cook anything. Box mac and cheese, maybe. Favorite song on the radio right now: I don't really listen to the radio. My Beyonce CD is all I listen to. What is the coolest place you have been to? Hardy's. It was a fast food restaurant with a big ball pit when I was a kid. Once someone jumped on my head when I was in the ball pit. It hurt. Favorite Pinterest board: My “Some Day” board which is wedding stuff.
Chandler Adams
Stars come in many different shapes and sizes. Chandler Adams has found this to be true as he has Sarah Benson dedicated his Sunday afternoons for the past 4 years to volunteer for the Gliding Stars organization at The CUBE in Findlay. Adams, a 4-year member of the soccer team, has found that by volunteering at Gliding Stars he is making a difference in his star’s life which has impacted his in return. “Volunteering there is important to me because it teaches me the value of patience and love for others,” says Adams. “It’s also important to me because it is beneficial for the ‘stars’ I help learn to skate and skills in skating, all while being their friend.” Adams can be found skating with his “star”, Heidi, in the annual Gliding Stars ice skating show on March 17. The Gliding Stars organization will miss Adams’ help next year when he furthers his education at The Ohio State University. Favorite Gliding Stars memory: My favorite memory from Gliding Stars is actually past, present, and future. I always enjoy making each of the “stars” that I help smile and laugh and feel connected with me through a friendship. Unknown Extracurricular Activities: I am involved in Royal Rangers, which is basically a relaxed, Christian-based, Boy-Scout type group. We meet every Wednesday and do things like rock climbing and even masonry. Future Educational Goals: At Ohio State I plan on studying Pre-med and looking to be accepted into a good physician’s assistant program and then pursue a career as a P.A. A major city you want to visit: Amsterdam If you could go to the Olympics in any sport, which one would you choose? Water Polo Favorite high school memory: This past soccer season’s game vs. Liberty Benton when we tied. It was a very eventful game. Favorite teacher: Mr. Heitkamp Favorite school subject: Physics
Blasting Off to an Exciting Career: Bryan Potteiger, Rocket Scientist The goals of many reach the sky, but for Bryan Potteiger his goals extend far beyond the clouds. Graduating Van Buren in 2007, Potteiger attended The Florida Institute of Technology, FIT, where he gained his degree in aerospace engineering, also known as rocket science. Not only is he capable of designing aircrafts like helicopters, but can also project space crafts such as rockets, shuttles, and probes. Working as a quality control technician now, Potteiger hopes to gain the work experience needed to one day expand his career to bigger things. “I plan to work for a large company to contribute to space travel, exploration, and if possible in our future, space colonization,” said Bryan. “I chose this career because I want to make an impact not to just the country, but to humanity in general. The space industry is a way I could express my talents and achieve that ambition.” It’s hard to imagine that gaining a degree in rocket science was hardly one of the biggest challenges Potteiger had to face. Losing his father at age 13, Potteiger knows all about difficult and stressful times. “My inspiration comes from my father and how I remember the type of person he was when he was alive. I want to do something not to just honor his name, but actually become the best person I can possibly be in his memory. Though it’s easier said than done, one cannot dedicate their life to a tragic event. If you let it define you, you give it an excessive amount of power. The key to success is balance. You cannot lose sight nor become tunnel visioned in whatever you do.” Potteiger also gives the advice to never let anyone determine what you are or are not capable of. “I had people laugh at me in school after hearing my choice in major, but look where I am now. An all-A high school student can easily fail college. Obtaining a successful career is more than simply having a job. It is having a job with a passion and purpose.” Seeing Potteiger overcome countless struggles, prove himself to disbelievers, and successfully gain the major of his dreams, only shows that anything is possible when one stays positive and believes. Courtesy of Nasa.gov
Laura Endicott