Lisbon High School senior Emmett Mooney jumps over water Friday to get to his favorite fishing spot on the Sabattus River. The track team member competes in hurdles. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

LISBON — Lisbon High School senior Emmett Mooney, 18, can accomplish anything he sets his mind to and is willing to learn and grow from his experiences, Principal Susan Magee said.

A recipient of the Maine Principals’ Association award, has proven himself to be a leader, mentor and role model in sports, clubs and activities, Magee said, and has excelled in honors and Advanced Placement classes.

“Throughout Emmett’s four years at Lisbon High School, he has represented himself, the community and our school in a positive light,” she said.

After spending a lot of time with his high school teachers, Mooney said he has developed the ability to speak comfortably with people, which is a lesson he will carry with him after high school.

Best part of each day?

The best part of each day during my high school experience was knowing that when I showed up in the morning there would be people there who I enjoyed spending time with. Whether it was staff, my best friends or just the people around me. They are what made high school bearable.

Worst part of each day?

Honestly, the worst part of each day was completing the work for school. When you take harder classes it feels as though you are taking the class for the grade rather than the learning.

Lisbon High School senior Emmett Mooney sits on a rock Friday morning beside the Sabattus River where he enjoys fishing, something he has done since he was young. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Favorite class or subject? Why?

My favorite class was my advanced pottery class this year. I have been into art for many years and pottery is something where I can spend several weeks working on a single project. This class has also allowed me to create pieces that were meaningful and that served as gifts to others. It was one of the only classes where I cared more about the work I was doing rather than the grade I received. This is what truly made the class fun.

Favorite teacher or school staff member? Why?

Although I have many staff members in the school that I am very close with, I would say my favorite school staff member has to be Mrs. Brunelle. She has been in the Lisbon school district for quite some time – she was even there to hold me as a baby (my mother was the school nurse when I was born). She has brought a smile to my face every day and she means a lot to me.

What was the hardest part of high school and how did you find your way through it?

The hardest part of high school was having to make decisions on my future when, in reality, I have none of it figured out.

How do you think you’ll be remembered by the members of your class?

I hope to be remembered by my classmates as a good individual. I hope they remember me as someone who did their best to better themselves along with the people around them.

Something you wish teachers and administrators understood about students today?

I wish more teachers and administrators understood what students are going through today. Social problems these days are a lot different than the problems that younger people used to have. Social media has created so many problems related to self-esteem and I wish teachers understood what their students may be going through.

Advice to all those eighth-graders entering high school next year?

Respect your teachers. They deserve the utmost respect from each new coming student and the bonds you make with them will be some of the most beneficial in your early life.

What is next for you after graduation?

I plan on attending the University of Maine and majoring in biomedical engineering. However, this is still up in the air. Regardless, wherever I end up I want to change the community I live in.

This is the ninth article in a series featuring a high school senior, chosen by their principal, from each of the 18 high schools in the Sun Journal’s coverage area.