Youth in Focus

By RICHARD A. ROSS

A smile to light up the world

Sullivan West’s Heather Nober appreciates the small town community that nurtured her, so much so that she hopes to return to it one day as a teacher.

	TRR Photo by Richard A. Ross Heather Nober, senior at Sullivan West Central School.

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — “Growing up in a small town like Narrowsburg has had a really positive impact on me,” Heather Nober, a senior at Sullivan West said. Radiating a contagious smile that reflects an upbeat and positive outlook, Heather seems unquestionably happy right where she is. In her estimation, the milieu of a close-knit family coupled with friends and community that she adores has greatly contributed to her sunny disposition.

Heather attended Narrowsburg Central School through her sophomore year. Her older brother Bruce was a member of the last class to graduate from NCS. Last year, Heather and her classmates were moved to the Jeffersonville Campus of the recently merged Sullivan West School District. At first things were a little strange since she really didn’t know too many people. That brief transition period is over now as Heather is relishing the waning days of her senior year. She looks forward to graduation with a mixture of joy and nostalgia. She expresses some concern about leaving behind her school, her community and most of all her family. Nevertheless, she feels that the transition to Sullivan West will prepare her as she heads off to Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. There she plans to embark on a course of study in elementary or secondary education with a mind towards teaching here or someplace just like it when she graduates. She has already visited Susquehanna University twice and loves the small, personal feel of it. It reminds her of home.

As college is still some months off, Heather has time to continue doing what she loves most, going to school and being around the people she cares about. Of course that includes her parents Jeff and Mary Jane and her brothers John and Bruce. Heather is a member of the National Honor Society, The Spanish Honor Society and the Student Council. She is the president of her class and the yearbook photo editor. In all likelihood she will either be her class valedictorian or salutatorian. That determination will be rendered a few weeks from now.

Heather’s academic life is packed with challenging courses. Like several of her counterparts from other schools who have been the subject of this column, Heather has chosen to squeeze the most out of her senior year by taking Advanced Placement and college courses. These included AP English, AP Economics and Government, Calculus and College Biology, with Mr. Ellmauer, that is being offered through Syracuse University. Heather feels a strong affinity for math and science is considering teaching science at the secondary level if she decides not to teach elementary school.

Heather says she loves working with kids and had a school-to-work experience at Narrowsburg School when she got a chance to work with Mrs. Jay in her second grade classroom. Both of Heather’s parents are former teachers, and Heather plans on carrying on that tradition. Unlike many high school seniors she seems focused and clear about her plans.

Prior to this busy year, Heather was involved with sports. Her favorite sport was softball. She also played soccer and basketball and did some cheerleading. Clearly, she has made the most of her school opportunities. Heather loves baking and admits to the joy of driving around in her car.

When asked what defines her as a person, she laughingly said it would have to be her cheerful disposition. That sunny smile and positive attitude will make this week’s youth in focus a great ambassador for our community when she leaves for college in the fall.