Samantha Blaney explores Athens, Ohio. (Photo Provided)

VINCENT — Samantha Blaney, 17, a senior at Warren High School, is not only devoted to her academics, with a 4.0 GPA, but is also a leader.

Blaney is the President of the National Honor Society and the Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society at Warren. She maintains membership with the Environmental Club and the Be the Light Club, a new Christian club at the school.

The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes high school students who demonstrate skills in four areas: scholarship, service, leadership and character. As the president of NHS, Blaney helps organize fundraising events so they can host Warren’s Academic Banquet at the end of the year. The banquet is held to celebrate exemplary academic achievement and to honor the seniors with exemplary academic success.

Blaney is also involved with two separate instrumental groups at Warren High School. In the marching band, Blaney plays the flute. She has been a flutist since the fifth grade and stuck with it as part of a family tradition, saying that her family has always been involved in music and growing up with the craft is something she has enjoyed. Her favorite part of marching band is the sense of community.

“It’s really great to be at the football games and watching those and being there to cheer in the stands,” said Blaney.

From left, Samantha Blaney and her friend, Joselyn Erb pose for photos before Warren High School’s prom. (Photo Provided)

In the concert band, Blaney plays the oboe. Recently she picked up the instrument and said she likes that music is a separate challenge from the rest of her academics.

“I have a lot of classes that take up more time and are hard, but then I can go to band,” said Blaney, “It’s just fun and I can learn music and that’s different than everything else so it’s just more interesting.”

When not involved with academic extracurriculars, Blaney immerses herself in her church, the Barlow-Vincent Church of Christ. At the church, Blaney teaches Bible classes to 2- and 3-year-olds.

“This is something that is very important to me,” said Blaney, “I love kids and think they are so cool and fun to be around … taking care of them brings me so much joy.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

Samantha Blaney watches the solar eclipse. (Photo Provided)

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From left, Samantha Blaney and Julie Ferrell celebrate after an indoor marching band performance. (Photo Provided)

From left, Samantha Blaney and Ashlee Pate stand onstage after a symphonic band concert. (Photo Provided)