Will Norris

School: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School

Graduation date: June 1

We understand one of your passions is technology. Tell us about that.

Norris: I like figuring things out, understanding why things work the way they do, and making existing objects work more efficiently. For my senior exhibition project this year, I constructed a solar-electric hybrid vehicle. The project did not always proceed as anticipated, but that’s part of the fun. The project provided the opportunity to problem-solve using technology, to discover alternative solutions and to utilize specialized tools to implement these novel solutions. Basically, what could be cooler than that!

Favorite gadget launched in recent years?

Norris: It is not really a gadget, but one of my favorite innovations in recent years is YouTube. It is amazing the information you can access there. Recently my Playstation 3 died and I was able to repair it with information found on YouTube. I spent $12 on repairs vs. $150 if I’d had Sony repair it.

What are your plans after high school?

Norris: I am planning to attend Clemson University and major in engineering. I am not certain what specific field of engineering that I want to focus on yet. I like certain aspects of all types of engineering, but I am particularly interested in environmental, mechanical, electrical or computer as possible majors.

Tell us about a favorite experience from high school.

Norris: Some of my favorite experiences involved trips during Winterim. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to the Adirondacks, Costa Rica and Machu Picchu. I enjoyed all of these adventures, but one of my favorite experiences occurred during the trip to the Adirondacks. I enjoyed snowshoeing, skiing and hiking, but the best part was taking a ride in a 5-person bobsled. We rode down the Olympic bobsled track at Lake Placid at 60 mph. I’ve never experienced anything like it; describing it like a roller coaster on steroids doesn’t do it justice.

What song sums up your high school years?

Norris: I like older music; I listen to songs mostly from the ’80s. “Strangers Like Me” by Phil Collins may best sum up my high school years. The song is about wanting to learn, being open to new experiences and surrounding yourself with people who are curious as well.

If you could only keep one object from high school for a box of treasured possessions, what would it be?

Norris: My high school soccer jersey, #8. Soccer has been a large part of my high school experience, and I’ve worn number 8 since my junior year.

What’s the biggest life lesson you learned from a teacher?

Norris: There are two teachers, Mrs. (Lisa) Norman and Mr. (Timothy) McKnight, from whom I have learned similar lessons. Both of these teachers have taught me to question and think independently. Both have encouraged me to never be afraid to ask questions. I’ve learned that it is important to ask for help when you need it. It is possible to be an independent thinker, but also work with others.