BEST & BRIGHTEST: Compassion drives teen's career path
TO OUR READERS: This is one in a series of stories featuring The Gazette's Best & Brightest high school seniors, Class of 2009.
A glimpse of how the children on a Crow Indian Reservation in Montana lived was enough to show Riley Russell what she wanted to do with her life.
"I was awestruck at the poverty conditions people live in," Russell said. "I want to do what I can to help kids and give them hope and a chance."
Russell's young life has been shaped by that desire to serve. Whether it was forged watching her father's dedication to service as he was deployed for 15 months overseas in the Army or her strong religious faith, Russell's commitment shows.
The 17-year-old Cheyenne Mountain High School senior has gone on numerous mission trips, spent time walking dogs for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and served meals at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen.
"I just get so much out of it, too," said Russell.
Music also plays a large part in Russell's life. She plays the piano, clarinet and sings for the church choir.
"It's my way of letting out stress," she said.
The music also helps her communicate with people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
"I think music is a therapeutic way of connecting with other people," Russell said.
Being in a military family, Russell has needed that skill connecting with others. Not only to make new friends in a new community, but to help her take care of her three younger siblings.
"It's made us all who we are," she said. "It makes your family closer."
Russell was recently accepted into a research program at Colorado State University that will pair her with a professor throughout her college career. She might use that opportunity to pursue psychology studies in an effort to counsel children.
"Her grace and poise are singular compared to those of her peers (and those of quite a few adults as well)," wrote her college counselor Ruth Ann Fenell. "Riley's warmth of personality and concern for others make her an excellent leader and mentor."
RILEY RUSSELL, Cheyenne Mountain High School
Parents: Leigh F. Russell and Chounce E. Russell Jr.
College plans: Colorado State University
If you had a million dollars, which philanthropic organization would you form and why?
"I have a first-hand account of what it means when dads are deployed and are out of the picture. I would form an organization to help children who lost parents or have active deployments occur in their family. They could receive counseling or support."
Other details: National Merit Scholarship-Commended Student; Principal's Honor Roll; AP Scholar; Academic All-State; Academic
