With their positive demeanor and admirable determination, Ryleigh Smith is an SPHS student that’s hard to miss.  Somehow, whether it’s through playing an instrument, singing in chorus, or listening to them talk about the joys of mushrooming, I keep running into Ryleigh.  After hearing so many interesting things from someone, it’s only natural to want to know more, and that was the very purpose of this interview.

What activities or clubs are you involved in?

Drama, winter percussion, and scales.

Is there anything you are particularly passionate about (drama, music, etc.)?

Classical and choral pieces.

What is the best recent book, song or movie that you have seen/heard?

[Riley plays a clip of their favorite song]  Dies irae by Verdi; it’s a requiem.

Who or what inspires you?

Mostly some of the Chambers kids who are my friends; and I like music so I just like to do stuff with music.

Have you had any recent proud moments?

Proving to the chamber singers that I can play the piano.

What are you thinking of doing after graduating from high school?

I’m either going to do something with music or I’m going to be a programmer or I’m going to go to trade school.

Any particular trade you’re interested in?

Woodworking, metalworking; I have a forge at home, apparently you can cool stuff--like you know how people cool stuff in oil like cool red hot metal, you’ll see them taking it out and dunking it in this barrel, usually filled with oil but if you want to add carbon or something you can put it in coal and let it cool.  

Is there a goal that you are working towards this year?

Get into chamber singers and get more people into chorus.

What can the school newspaper influence?

I have many opinions.  Fix the math curriculum (like what do you mean we’re not doing dilation in geometry; we’re just not anymore I guess?), and find a way to get more funding.