Woodland senior spotlight

Reed James Layton was born Dec. 15, 2005, to parents Tobi and Ryan Layton. He has two siblings, Calvin Layton and Max Layton.

His favorite teacher is Mr. Shrum, Layton said, because he is "very wise and hilarious." His favorite school memory is winning state in cross country.

If he could travel anywhere in the world, it would be to Europe, he said, because "there are so many cool places and awesome scenery."

When Layton was a child, he wanted to be either a Texas sheriff or a paleontologist. Now his plans after high school include attending Southeast Missouri State University to get his bachelor's degree in English education, with a minor in creative writing. He wants to write books and teach.

Layton is involved in FCA, Beta Club, basketball, cross country and track. His advice to underclassmen is, "Take advantage of the time you have in school. Don't take it for granted."

Weston Roark

As for graduating, Layton said, "I am excited for the future but scared to be on my own." He admitted that he will miss all his friends, and the fact that his parents pay for all his stuff.

The greatest influence on him, Layton said, has been his faith.

"My parents taught me about God from a young age," he said. "So, probably my parents as well."

Layton said his greatest accomplishment was "either winning the state cross country meet or writing my first book."

SHOUT-OUTS: Mom, Dad, Gramps, Mimi, Papa, Calvin and Max.

Weston Roark was born April 25, 2006. His grandparents are Cindi and Mike Morris. He has one sibling, Weston Roark.

His favorite teacher is Mr. Ridings, Roark said, because "he has been my advisor for four years, and I have made my best high school memories in advisory." His favorite staff quote -- it's from Mr. Boyer -- that has stuck with him throughout high school is, "Shut up, Weston."

Roark's favorite school memory is buying hats with Jase and Jespn at the FBLA trip. And his most embarrassing high school memory is failing his first essay in CP LA I and then dropping the class.

He is involved in FBLA, Beta Club, Pep Club and FCA. Three words that describe him are hardworking, determined and kind. His advice to underclassmen is to take school seriously, but still make time to make memories.

If he could travel anywhere in the world, it would be to Italy so he could see the natural beauty and Lake Como.

When Roark was a child, he wanted to be a veterinarian when he grew up. Now his plans include attending college at Southeast Missouri State University to study nursing so he can one day become a nurse practitioner.

The thing he will miss most about high school is being able to see his friends daily.

The person who has had the greatest influence on him is his grandma, Roark said, because "she has been my main role model throughout my life. She has taught me right from wrong and how to work hard."

He said his greatest accomplishment so far is knowing that he can wake up every morning and work hard so he can have a bright future.

SHOUT-OUTS: Maemae, Pawpaw, Gabby and Wyatt.