By Kristine Thomas
Silverton High School senior Megan Mannion clearly followed the advice given to her by her parents, John and Inga Mannion.
Whether it’s competing on the volleyball court or softball field, organizing an event for the Associated Student Body, studying to keep a 4.0 grade point average or working at Roth’s Grocery Store, Megan said her parents taught her that she is a reflection of everything she does.
“They told all four of us kids that whatever we do, we need to do to the best of our ability. I pride myself on giving my best to everything I do,” Megan said.
For doing just that, Megan is the Silverton Chamber of Commerce 2016 Future First Citizen. Genuinely surprised by the honor, Megan credits her family and ASB teachers Johnie Ferro and Heather Bashor for their support. She considers Ferro and Bashor as role models. “They put in so much extra time and do so much behind the scenes that when I see them working so hard, it makes me want to help out even more,” Megan said.
A quote by H. Jackson Brown on the white board of Bashor’s classroom reads, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
That quote, Bashor said, applies to Megan. “She is an intelligent, motivated young lady who works hards and is kind to everyone,” Bashor said. “When Megan is given a task, she shows she cares about the students who are working with her and the task, both keys to getting something done.”
SHS School Counselor Stacy White describes Megan as a “valued and compassionate leader.”
“Megan can often be seen connecting with students from all social, academic and interest groups,” White wrote in a letter.
“She has continued to build a positive school culture through her commitment and action to promote values like acceptance, tolerance and compassion toward others.”
SHS English Teacher Grant Piros said Megan is a leader on and off the field.
“It is evident in seeing her around her teammates that they trust and lean on her when things get tough,” Piros wrote. “In each of these roles, she is ‘all-in,’ involved with passion and focus that is impressive for a student with such a full slate of activities.”
Silverton Rotarian Janet Dalisky has worked with Megan on several projects, including the Daddy Daughter Dance, Silverton Strawberry Festival and Homer Davenport Days. “I have the privilege of working with Megan through the Interact Club. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does,” Dalisky said.
“Megan is motivated, hard working, responsible, committed and most of all thoughtful. She has gained the respect and trust of her peers. Megan is an impressive individual and very deserving of this award.”
SHS math teacher Tom Steers said Megan is a highly motivated and goal oriented person who strives to do her best.
“I believe Megan is going to do something extraordinary with her life,” Steers wrote. “She doesn’t know what it is yet, but it will involve working with people in some way and I have no doubt that she will excel and that our society will be improved by it. She is both a reflection of her family’s values and of her unique personality.”
