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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Will Carney
By JoEllen Collins for The Weekly Sun
Will Carney, a senior at Wood River High School, has most appreciated his education since his junior year.
“Until then, I was usually a bit reserved,” Carney said. “However, I broke out of my shell. I have changed and am more gregarious and comfortable in new situations.”
Carney finds his many academic challenges welcoming.
“I will have taken nine AP classes by the time I graduate,” he said. “Miss Wolfram’s AP U.S. History class, in my sophomore year, taught me that history is actually a big story about human beings, [which is] so appropriate in its lessons to today. I received the highest score for that AP class and now plan to major in history.”
With a weighted GPA of 3.9, Carney finds high school studies tough but rewarding.
“Other AP classes have so stimulated me,” he said. “AP Music Theory, AP Physics and AP Literature have especially been meaningful.”
For his sophomore project, Carney wrote a book of short stories.
“I am passionate about writing and refining those skills on my own time; I want to write more,” he said. “Currently, I am rewriting one of my stories, and I journal every day, so I have been able to decompress from the pressures around me and to work through difficult moments.”
Carney was a very active Life Scout until he faced increased demands of his studies, his music, and his job.
He also takes voice lessons; sings with the B-Tones, the high school singing group; plays guitar; and has studied and played the tuba all of middle school and high school. He also performs with a friend in a duo, producing video productions for Instagram and other outlets.
“I find music to be such a positive activity,” Carney said. “ Studying with R.L. Rowsey, the director of the B-Tones and my teacher, is my therapy. Last year, because of his instruction, I won the Maestro Award for the best individual solo in the all-country Heritage Festival in Anaheim, California. I love performing and am auditioning for a part in The Spot’s spring production of ‘Across the Universe.’”
Carney, a native of Hailey, appreciates his large and musical family (as a young man, his father was in a rock band in California).
“My parents and grandparents have given me a positive attitude toward life, as they have occasionally had rough times but have survived with love and strength,” he said.
“As well, I feel safe and supported in the Wood River Valley,” Carney said. “Even my part-time job at Bigwood Cinemas is an example of a good place to sense the spirit of this community. Working there I can interact with a great variety of interesting people.”
Carney anticipates a positive future.
“Sometimes, this can seem to be a scary time, but I am not pessimistic,” he said. “I have learned through studying history that people have always faced a difficult and frightening world. This generation can be fearful, but I think we will not hide but face life with courage.”
Each week, JoEllen Collins will be profiling a local high-school student. If you know someone you'd like to see featured, e-mail joellencollins1@gmail.com.