Potential Magazine May 2014 | Page 33

teen spotlight photography by Christy Keith stats 17, Senior at Auburn High School notable National Merit Scholarship Corp Achievement Finalist, National Youth Leadership Training Graduate, Alabama Boys’ State Delegate, Boy Scouts of America Leadership, Troop 15 Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Served over 250 hours of community service always involved The number of activities Justin Smith has his hands in is almost endless. At Auburn High, he is the president of National Honor Society, president of the Spanish Honor Society, member of Mu Alpha Theta, member of the Key Club, student Ambassador and plays varsity track and field, varsity soccer and varsity football. Outside of school, he has been a member of the PACE Reading Club since 2005 and has been involved in Boy Scouts since 2006, where he’s currently serving as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is also a competitor on the YMCA Youth in Government Judicial Team and a member of the New Life Christian Center Tribe of Judah Dance Team. Oh, and he’s an alumnus of the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Program too. Justin has received honors including the Academic Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and was a Triple Jump Medalist during the United States Track and Field Junior Olympic Trials. what’s next “When I was little, I wanted to be a cowboy so I could ride bulls,” said Justin. But since then, he has matured and developed a deep love for science after having passionate teachers at Auburn High. Justin has volunteered at East Alabama Medical Center for several years and hopes to contribute to medical development on an international level by pursuing a career in chemical or biomedical engineering. “I long to travel, engage with the customs, cultures and languages of various people while also providing health services and innovations to those in need,” he said. justin smith PG (parental guidance) rating Auburn AL Justin appreciates the fact that his parents have provided him and his sister with “exposure to opportunities and experiences of immeasurable value.” parents’ perspective Justin’s parents Charles and Sheryl Smith are proud that their son is a hard worker. “Justin is self-motivated and committed.” He is also known to be very social and able to “mix and mingle in a variety of groups,” said Sheryl. Charles and Sheryl try to surround Justin with positive influences. They also try to “help him build a resilience to disappointment and challenges so he can continue to progress forward towards his destiny,” said Sheryl. parent-to-parent Charles and Sheryl advise other parents to love their children openly and, “Let them see your human side. If they can know it’s possible to rebound from little mistakes, it will help them learn to rebound from big mistakes.” www.potentialmagazine.com 33