Sophia Leighton of Bridgton has been selected as the area Lions Clubs’ “Student of the Month” for March.

Each month, area Lions Clubs recognize a Lake Region High School senior who has excelled academically. The recipient is presented a monetary award.

Name: Sophia Leighton

Class of: 2021

Residence: Bridgton

Parents: Peter, Kimberly, and Natasha Leighton 

Siblings: Reiyn Hart, Nadia Leighton, Wildr Hart, Aurora Hart

Activities: ASTRA Club, Interact Club, National Honor Society, soccer, alpine ski team.

Community Activities: Volunteering at local community kettles (pre-Covid-19), the Bridgton American Legion, Camp Invention at Stevens Brook Elementary School, and various Earth Day clean-ups.

Hobbies: Hiking, painting/drawing, yoga, reading, writing, spending time with friends and family, skiing, learning new things, and playing with my pets.

Future Plans: I plan on going to Simmons University to study psychology with a focus on eating disorder awareness and prevention. Maybe someday, I’ll even get my Ph.D. or PsyD. 

Schools that you have or will apply: Simmons University, University of Southern Maine, Colby College, University of New England, Northeastern University, Harvard University

Schools that you have been accepted to: Simmons University, University of Southern Maine, University of New England

What is your favorite class and why? Right now, my favorite class is Abnormal Psychology which I am taking through the University of Maine at Machias. I love learning about the brain — it’s something that is so diverse among different people, yet the same in many ways. 

What is your toughest class and why? Calculus. It pushes me to think in very abstract ways and forces me to persevere even when I feel like giving up. 

How do you balance your class work and your extracurricular activities? I use a planner to keep myself organized and make the most of any free time to keep up on classwork. More than anything, it takes a lot of dedication and self-motivation. 

What is the biggest challenge high school students face today? From what I’ve seen, a lot of students do not see the meaning in their schoolwork. It’s hard to see how things like calculus or painting will apply to one’s life outside of high school, especially if they are planning on going straight into the workforce after graduating. Sometimes, I wonder if our educational system is outdated and needs adapting to this generation. 

Who has inspired you educationally, and why? My dad. When I was growing up, he always worked so hard and showed me what dedication really looks like. I remember going to the Harvard Medical School campus with him when I was little and he said, “You’re going to go here someday.” From the moment I began school, my dad always gave me the motivation and support I needed to be as successful as possible.