Meet Stephanie Halas ...
School: Wallenpaupack Area High School
Parents: Sandy Halas and Eric Halas
Plans: To study mechanical engineering at Military Academy at West Point.
Stephanie Halas' has realized a dream, but also realizes her life's work has just begun.
Hearing that her "extreme amount of hard work and dedication" paid off, and she had an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point was Stephanie's proudest moment - thus far.
"My dream is beginning to become reality, and this is the first step to all of my major goals in life," Stephanie said, adding, "Although the tough times have yet to begin, being able to say that I'm part of such an outstanding academy feels great."
Among the range of high school activities Stephanie participated in, her favorite was peer helping, a student-to-student mentoring program in which she said she learned as much from the younger participants as they had from her.
A student who always finds ways to learn in unlikely places, Stephanie said the person she admires most is a 7-year-old she mentored. She "sees something remarkable in everyone and can put a smile on anyone's face no matter what else is happening," Stephanie said.
Stephanie has played tennis since she was in seventh grade, lettering in the sport three years in a row and playing on this year's Class AAA First Team All-Stars. She also has three varsity letters in track and field and volunteers at community events "as much as possible in my spare time."
With West Point on her plate, Stephanie's not thinking too far into the future. She's not sure about her occupation of choice, area of military service or where she'd like to live. But Stephanie resolves to enjoy her time and experience with people she loves. You also can be sure she'll continue working hard, and live by the philosophy: "The purpose of life is a life of purpose."