High School Freshman Aspires to be Teacher

A voracious reader and writer, Stevie Lang can see every situation as potential fodder for her next story.

"I think, if this was a book, right now what would be happening," Lang said.

She's always penning a new story or poem. Her favorite place to think through story settings and character development is her school gym's staircase.

"I don't know why, but every time I'm on the staircase, I think of another piece for my story," Lang said.

Her love of reading and writing spurred her career goal to be a language arts teacher. Lang chose to attend Seminole High School's magnet program, Center for Education and Leadership, because of its focus on teaching.

Lang, a Florida native, wants to attend Saint Leo University or Florida State University. 

An Arts Background

Lang is involved in musical theater class, drama club and the Japanese Pop Culture Club, in which she was recently nominated as club secretary. 

She's also part of the ensemble cast for the school's upcoming play, "The Boyfriend."

"It's a spoof on all the 20's plays where everyone always gets the guy," Lang said.

Lang said her interest in different arts came from her family's background.

"My great aunt helped design the rides for (Walt Disney World) It's a Small World and Peter Pan. My dad was a foot model (for the characters)," Lang said.

The school's magnet program requires extensive volunteer hours, which Lang is already racking up time.

She volunteers weekly for Thrill St. Pete, an Oct. 29, worldwide dance, where participants across the globe simultaneously dance to Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller".

The performance event has become a family affair -- her father, his girlfriend, her step-brother and Lang all participate in the event's dance workshops. 

"I'm a regular and teach the dance to new people. I'll also volunteer at the day of the event -- registering people and leading a group," Lang said.