Molly Carter of Valley View High School
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A: I am most proud of my accomplishments that I have achieved through musical theater. The countless hours I have spent rehearsing and improving my skills with my castmates are definitely some of the most well spent hours of my life. During my four years I have been a part of the school musicals I have received various leads, which I take great pride in. I have portrayed the role of Winifred Banks in “Mary Poppins,” Matilda in “Matilda,” and Frenchy in “Grease.” Although receiving these roles is an accomplishment of mine I am so proud of, it is not all I have accomplished through my musical theater career. I am so proud of the mark I have been able to put on my community, especially the young kids whom I have inspired to aspire to one day be a part of the musicals. Seeing the inspiration and motivation I have brought to others is definitely my biggest accomplishment.
Q: Whom do you most admire and why?
A: The two people who inspire me the most are my parents. I feel as though without the inspiration and motivation from my parents I would not be where I am today. My parents have always influenced me to do something with my life that I am passionate about and enjoy, which is why I am taking the career path that I am. Both of my parents are very compassionate and kind people who many people love and respect, which I strive to be as well. Additionally, my parents have sacrificed so much of their time and energy so I can achieve the things that I have. This inspires me to be there for others and help others reach their goals.
Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities? Why?
A: Two of my most rewarding school activities have been being a part of our Unified Track program and being a part of my school’s football cheerleading program. I have been a part of both of these programs for the past three years and I have learned countless things that will follow me through the rest of my life. Unified Track is something that is so special to me because I feel it is so important that students with special needs are able to participate in the same track and field events that other students are able to participate in. Additionally, being a part of the varsity football cheer team and being able to be a captain has been such a rewarding experience. I have learned so much about commitment and discipline, which has driven me to become a better teammate and leader.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I am a dancer at the Kelly Patrick Studio of Dance, as I have been dancing since I was only 3 years old. I also love cheerleading as I have been a part of the varsity cheerleading team for the past three years. This past year I was given the honor to be one of two captains on the team. Additionally, one of my favorite hobbies is musical theater. I have been a part of my high school’s musicals for the past four years! Correspondingly, I am a part of my school’s choir as one of my hobbies is to sing.
Q: What are your plans after high school graduation? Why did you choose this path?
A: Following high school, I plan to attend the University of Scranton to major in media production and journalism. Additionally, I am honored to be a Presidential Scholar and a part of the SJLA honors program. I chose this path because I would like to have the chance to make an impact on the community that I grew up in while furthering my education. Furthermore, I decided to major in media production and journalism as I aspire to become a broadcast journalist in the future. This has been a dream of mine my entire life and I am beyond excited to take the next step toward my future career.
Q: What is your advice to younger students?
A: My advice to younger students is to do what you love no matter how you feel others may view you for doing so. In my experience, I have made decisions regarding my extracurriculars that have left me worried how others would view me. These activities ended up defining who I am and took on a huge role regarding my high school experience. I also advise younger students to be as involved as possible in their school and community. Although upholding good grades is very important, I feel as though it is far more rewarding to make an impact on your community than it is to get a grade on a piece of paper.
Q: Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is …
A: That I have been a part of my school’s musicals for the past four years and I have been a lead for the past three. Many people do not expect to learn the fact that I have been the lead in musicals at my high school or even participate as a whole. I feel as though this is something that is very unique to me and defines me as a person. Being a part of musicals takes a lot of confidence and courage. Many don’t want to be in the spotlight and find it very nerve-wracking to be in front of a large audience. I thrive in that environment, which I feel as though it sets me apart from the majority of people.
A little about Molly Carter
Molly Carter of Valley View High School is an experienced actress and member of district chorus who helps younger performers. She is described as exemplifying character, compassion and excellence.
The Archbald resident is the daughter of Robert Carter and Tammy Carter.
Her other activities include Unified Track, cheerleading, the tennis team, Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program, Scholastic Bowl, Math Honor Society, Spanish club, National Honor Society and student council. Molly is a tutor and a dancer.
Molly Carter
(COURTESY OF MOLLY CARTER)