By Melissa Wagoner
When Silverton High School senior, Hannah Bashor, found out she was being named this year’s Future First Citizen for her demonstration of leadership as well as her contributions to her school, her community and her family by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce it gave her the sense of being seen.
“I am so happy that others see that I am working hard to better my community and school,” she said. “I try really hard and put a lot of effort outside of school… so I was overjoyed when I found out that someone saw the work I do.”
Outside of school Bashor has been a lifelong volunteer in her church, while in school her primary leadership role has been with the Associated Student Body (ASB).
“As the ASB President I lead and manage the ASB as we perform many fundraisers, events and projects,” Bashor said, listing dances, spirit games and a host of events like the annual Tree of Giving and The Best Fox Ever pageant as highlights.
“I initially joined because I wanted to be behind the scenes. I wanted to see what kinds of events ASB was in charge of, what they did for the school. I had already been in leadership classes in middle school, but… [t]here were so many more responsibilities, and tasks to get done; I loved it. Some of my favorite parts are hearing others talk about the events we run. I want others to be happy and have fun, so to hear their comments and smiles makes me super happy.”
Highly involved in athletics including cross country, track and basketball, Bashor views her teammates and coaches as a second family, one that has taught her much about life.
“I have learned to be mentally tough, to work hard, to get along with others, to love myself, collaboration, and so much more,” Bashor said. “Some of my favorite things about having a team is that I have a sense of belonging. They make me feel happy, included, supported…”
But that’s not to say her actual family hasn’t been equally influential.
“My family is my safe space where I am free to always be myself, and grow as a person…” she said, listing family trips, playing games, watching movies and eating dinner as a family amongst some of favorite activities. “Even though sometimes we are busy and can’t always be together, we find other ways and times to spend time together. My family is very important to me.”
Also of high importance is academics, where Bashor pushes herself to excel by taking Advanced Placement courses in physics, language and composition, biology and calculus as well as college courses in history, mathematics, anatomy and physiology, business and Spanish.
“Some of my favorite classes have been my science classes,” she said. “I really enjoy my anatomy and physiology class as well as my biology class… We get to do things like dissect organs and animals, perform labs and test our DNA.”
Her interest is also related to her goals for the future, which are to graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from OHSU, to practice dentistry in an under-served community for five years and to start her own dental practice.
“I really enjoy the medical world and helping others,” Bashor said. Adding, “Dentistry also allows for the work-life balance I am looking for.”
In the meantime, Bashor is focused on enjoying her final year of high school and the unexpected joy of winning the Future First Citizen Award.
“[I]t was completely unexpected…” she said. “I would just like to thank everyone in my life who has supported and pushed me to be the person I am today.”
