Photo by Caroline Whalen
Allie Floros
Managing Editor of News
Due to the vast amount of activities and extracurriculars that Lizy Szanton has involved herself in during her time at Newton South, she has been chosen as a Senior Cup winner for 2018.
Over her four high school years, Szanton has tested out a wide range of the opportunities South has to offer. She started by immersing herself in the theatre realm, doing the freshman play and some other shows. She has also worked in the band pit, been an editor for the journalistic magazine, Leo, co-ran Poetry Club, tried out the frisbee team, was a member of the DreamFar team, and participates in the community service singing group, Festies.
Szanton feels that being involved in so many groups has provided her with more benefits than she would have originally expected, explaining the special bonds and connections she gained.
“All of these things that I’ve been in are so different, but the common thread between them is being able to meet a really interesting and wonderful array of people that feel like family, and that’s what I’m really grateful for.”
One of Szanton’s closest friends, senior Juliet Cable, expresses her admiration for Szanton’s constant drive to help out wherever she can.
“She’s so passionate about making a change in the world, and maintaining the changes that have already been made, and fighting for what’s right. Lizy is the type of person that I think everyone should want to be, and I think that’s the spirit of the cup,” Cable said.
Jamie Rinaldi, who taught Lizy in both her sophomore and senior year, agrees with Cable while adding that her ability to be so confident in herself yet simultaneously humble has benefitted her, as well as others greatly in her four years at South.
“Lizy has this remarkable sense of herself, where I think she has such a clear sense of purpose, and a clear sense of her own identity, that she’s just this free spirit, that seems almost unphased by all of the noise in this school. But she does so in a way that’s not pretentious, but rather in a way that’s open and kind, and that opens others into that place as well. She can float above the chaos, but she always has a hand out to help others get onto her cloud nine,” Rinaldi said.
Rinaldi also admires the senior’s overall kindness to everyone, whether a friend or not, which only further displays her selfless character.
“Lizy is one of the kindest students I’ve encountered in my career here…I’ve also gotten a sense that she’s kind and supportive to people who aren’t necessarily her friends, but she recognizes just need that little bit of encouragement and recognition to know that things are okay,” Rinaldi said.
Cable adds that she sees Szanton winning the Senior Cup due to her connection and authenticity with everyone in their grade.
“I just think Lizy is the greatest role model for really anyone, but especially the people in our grade. All of the traits that she champions are just so applicable to everyone, and I know she would be a very deserving winner of the senior cup,” Cable said.
Ultimately, Szanton is very appreciative of all the opportunities she was given to practice her leadership at South and encourages others to take on roles and gain those skills even if they’re initially nervous.
“Earlier in high school when I was offered [leadership] opportunities, I didn’t feel like I deserved them or I didn’t feel equipped to do them, but I would encourage people to take that leap. Even if you don’t feel ready to do it immediately, it’s something that you can absolutely grow in to,” Szanton said.
