Student of the Week Urbana High School

Name: Leman Simpson

School: Urbana High School

Grade: 12

Age: 17

Extra-curricular: Choir, concert band, NHS, spring musicals, piano, organ, guitar.

Claim to fame/honors: Department student of the year: English, Social Studies, Science, Choir. "Coach in the Classroom" award. DECA talent show: guitar and piano.

Words you live by: "Take your time, just don't force it."

Toughest challenge: There was a time where my ego was bigger than my work ethic. I wasn't working to my potential, and I didn't see the problem with it. It was never too bad, but I'm glad I've moved past that.

Biggest influence: My English teachers, especially Mrs. deNijs, have always been the ones that have not only pushed me to work my hardest and be the best person I can be but have always been extremely encouraging.

School-day rituals: Wake up, shower, get dressed (in clothes that I picked out on Sunday), eat breakfast, brush my teeth and off to school.

What's on your bedroom walls: White (because I don't like a lot of color) with some photographs and paintings (because my parents are artists).

When I'm bored I like to: Take a break or read.

Person who would play you in a movie: Jude Law

Favorite musical artist: Adele–one of the greatest voices out there right now

Favorite book: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Favorite home-cooked meal: Mom's lasagna

Favorite restaurant: There are so many great ones, but I love going to Teabaggers for a nice lunch and sometimes to get a little homework done.

Whose mind would you like to read: Elon Musk. He has so many great ideas that I would learn a lot and maybe "borrow" a couple.

Place where you'd love to travel: I'll be going to France this summer, which is a big one, but I'd also really like to see a lot of other states–especially the east coast during autumn.

Talent you'd like to have: I have very limited athletic ability. I think it would be fun to play sports.

Favorite school subject: Science. I've always been curious, and I love finding out how things work, even if it involves a lot of math.

Something in the world I'd like to change: I think it's a serious problem that there are at least one billion people who don't have access to toilets.

Favorite high school moment: French class, although I couldn't take it this year, has given me countless laughs and never failed to make my days brighter.

Favorite junk food: I could probably eat a bag of chocolate chips but really there are very few types of junk food that I wouldn't want to eat too much of.

Best thing about high school: As generic as it may seem, all of the learning that takes place. It goes far beyond the books and past the bell (especially with Mr. Jackson). I cannot think of a teacher who has not given a life lesson or who has not taught a lesson that has peaked my interest.

About the Author