As Tristan Smalley finished his senior year at Lewiston High School, he stated that his biggest accomplishment in high school has been completing almost a full year of college through dual-credit programs.
Along with that, Smalley has been involved in the Mock Trial Club, Garden Club, Marching Band, the Pit Band for LHS musicals, and acting in various LHS drama productions.
Something that stood out to Smalley during his four years of high school was how different everyone’s experience was.
“I’ll be talking to my friends, and we’ll be in similar situations, and [I’ve noticed] how everyone has a different outlook on what happens to them throughout high school,” said Smalley.
Someone who inspired Smalley throughout the year was Sarah Willmore, the LHS College and Career Adviser, who encouraged Smalley to keep going no matter what, even if things got messed up from time to time. She also encouraged him to pick himself up and to make sure he got through things, he said.
If there is anything Smalley could have done differently in high school, he said, he would not have been so shy and would have taken more advantage of the opportunities he had, as it would have helped him grow. He said he regrets waiting until the end of his sophomore year to come out of his shell and do more.
Since he got involved at school, Smalley’s favorite high school memory was going all the way to state with the school band and winning second place at the state basketball tournament.
Smalley’s final message to underclassmen was to always stay hopeful, and to think for themselves.
“Take advice from other people, but at the end of the day you should let your own opinions form about what [high school] can be to you, and not form [your opinions] based on what other people tell you,” Smalley said.
Smalley’s plans for next year include going to Arizona State University in Tempe to study biochemistry and minor in Spanish.
