Grade: 12

Family members: Keith K'Meyer, Jennifer Hannold, sister Rachel Singley

Favorite subject: I would consider English my favorite academic subject. Instead of a lecture-styled class, we have group discussions where we all learn from each other, student and teacher alike. We delve deeply into the meanings behind the literature we study. Modern dance is my other favorite subject of study and application. With a balance between technical dancing and free expression, we get the opportunity to experiment with all the different movements our bodies can do.

Activities: Dancing in and out of school, teaching dance at the YMCA, hiking/kayaking

Next steps: Going to a college where I can further my knowledge in dance while exploring other career paths

Career Goals: To perform, to impact people's lives, to find a career that makes me happy, to travel around the world

Heroes: Jacques d'Amboise. Foregoing his role as a principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, he dedicated his life to bringing the joy of dancing to those who otherwise never would have known it. He founded the National Institute of Dance, which is a program that brings dance into elementary schools to this day. He inspires me to help children reach their potential and learn expression and to have confidence through dance.

Current job(s): Teaching dance to children at the Bethlehem YMCA

Volunteer/community work: Going into schools to assist dance classes

Likes: Creating and collaborating, getting the opportunity to show people kindness; being outdoors

Dislikes: Excessive cell phone use, limitations and pessimism

Greatest accomplishment (so far): I truly believe my greatest accomplishment so far is giving the little girls in my dance class their own sense of accomplishment. In the beginning of the year they looked at me like I was crazy, thinking and saying out loud that they would never be able to complete the steps. Seeing them do them so enthusiastically and happily was the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced. The sense of pride and knowing they could accomplish something if they worked at it will be carried throughout the rest of their lives.

Advice for peers: My advice would be to be excited rather than scared of the idea that their futures is all up to them now. If someone wants to succeed, it is completely in their own hands whether they will or not. From now on we choose where we want to go.

Julia Swan coordinate sstudent profiles for the Bethlehem Press.