In each class, there are a select few students who leave behind a legacy of going above and beyond to improve not only themselves, but those around them as well. As the Hilltop Echo puts it, “In every senior class, a student exists who displays a wide variety of categories of excellence. Through leadership, citizenship, sportsmanship, appreciation of the arts, and overall respect for classmates, the Renaissance student exemplifies well-rounded achievement, hard work, and determination.” There is no senior who fits this description better than Will Porter, this year’s winner of the Hilltop Echo’s Renaissance Award.

Throughout his time at Chardon High School, Will has been a four-year class officer, Vice President of Communications of National Honors Society, a three-year letterman of the soccer team, a member of the Chardon Envirothon team that placed 4^th at nationals last year, a three-year member of jazz band, member of stage crew, actor in One Acts, award-winning art student and member of two bands. In addition, Will pushed himself in the classroom, taking a senior schedule including AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Statistics and multi-variable calculus. “He knows how to pay attention to detail, and also isn’t afraid to ask questions,” says AP Stats teacher Mr. Shafer. Will excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 throughout high school and truly earning his status as a class valedictorian. “He never gives up and although he is always juggling lots of balls, he manages to meet his obligations and excel in his classes,” comments chemistry teacher and Envirothon advisor Mrs. Rohr. However, perhaps Will’s best quality in the classroom is his ability to lead by example. “One of Will’s best characteristic is that he’s kind. He works well within groups and makes everyone feel included,” says Shafer. “Will is a student with a lot of integrity and makes a good effort at a wide variety of tough classes. Also, he cares about the environment,” adds Rohr. Porter also did not neglect his right-brain. He has always been involved in art and won a blue ribbon at the Lakeland Art show for one of his pieces. In addition, he played bass in the jazz band for three years.

Will’s winning attitude in the classroom extends to outside of it as well, where he is a leader in the community, always willing to go above and beyond to help others. As an example, Will spent a few hours a week this past summer volunteering at Special Sports, a soccer camp for mentally disabled children. He also reads to first graders at Maple Elementary every Friday, has participated in the Highbrook Lodge clean-ups for as long as they have been going on and rang bells for the Salvation Army in 20 degree weather, among many other activities. In a formal capacity, Will was the Vice President of Communications of National Honor Society, a service and academic based club and a four-year class officer, as well as an active participant in Interact Club. NHS advisor Mr. Mugridge says of Will, “Will Porter is an exemplary officer and member of CHS National Honor Society. He is a team player who instinctively offers to help those in need.” “When I think about Will, I think about his friendliness,” adds fellow NHS officer Maggie Grau. As a leader on the soccer team, Will was awarded the Defenseman of the Year by his team for leading a tough defense that lead the Toppers to a winning record and playoff appearance this year. “We had a lot of seniors this year, but Will was one of the few who really stood out as a leader,” says fellow senior player and captain Mason Bender.

Will makes the most of his free time as well. As a member of the band The Tom Katlees, consisting of Chardon grads Joe Linsky, Lea Marra and Mike Kunzi, he honed his bass playing ability while playing at local venues including Chardon Brew Works. For his senior project this year, Will decided to go above and beyond the requirements and form his own ska band, Top Ten for Terrence, with fellow seniors Ian Taylor, Ryan Gillispie, Jake Hamblen, Rachel Teuscher, KJ Miller and Billy Weaver. “He’s definitely the leader in the group. He is the most responsible one out of all those guys. Musically, he’s incredibly talented. I didn’t realize just how talented he is,” comments Teuscher glowingly. Will also enjoys skateboarding with his friends, The Curry Crew. “Will is perfect in every way. He’s a great friend and he’s always been able to cheer me up when I’m down,” says Weaver.

Next year, Will plans to attend Rochester University and major in chemical engineering. Wherever he ends up in life, it is clear that he will have just as big of an impact as the one he had in high school.