Senior Gabby Smith is the definition of a well-disciplined and determined individual. In her senior year, she has a very versatile schedule, thriving to balance work, school, extracurriculars, and her social life. Making time for all of her responsibilities is a priority for Smith and is crucial for her success.
Smith has been the assistant drumline section leader since her junior year of high school. In this role she is in charge of 30 drummers, ensuring they are all executing their tasks as well as they possibly can. More commonly seen at football and basketball home games, the pep band of Sheridan High School is well known for being very involved with the games at play. It is vital for the pep band participants to be included in the games, but it is crucial to not interfere. “I love that we, the band, have the opportunity to cheer on our teams,” said Smith.
Of pep, concert, and marching band, Smith enjoys marching band the most. It is unlike all other band types in terms of choreography, memorization of music, and sometimes props. This year’s marching band performance was Beetlejuice, having a multitude of props. Smith took it upon herself to individually wrap each drumstick in color-coordinating tape to go along with the show, deciding it would add to the atmosphere of the performance.
Chad Rose is the band director at Sheridan High School who directs and teaches a variety of band types and band classes. Rose has been Smith’s band teacher and director since her freshman year and has nothing but glowing compliments about her leadership skills within the ensembles of SHS. Smith takes responsibilities on her own accord, and “preserves the proud tradition we have in the Sheridan High School Band,” said Rose. “She doesn’t do those things because of any responsibility associated with a position she may hold but due to a desire to have the group perform to its highest level.” Her integrity and motivation benefit everyone around her.
Smith’s first semester schedule included an internship with Rose, three in-person classes, and two online classes. Her second semester schedule now includes two in-person classes and four online classes, changing slightly but allowing her school schedule to align more easily with her busy lifestyle. Smith is responsible for creating her own agenda and sticking to it based on the deadlines and assignments she is given via both her online and in-person classes. Smith has excelled in not only constructing her own timeline but also accomplishing what she does in just one week.
Smith works four days a week at the local Dairy Queen where she clocks around 25 hours of work every single school week. Not only can she balance her now functional school schedule but also her demanding work schedule. Smith has allowed herself to commit to all of her responsibilities while still obtaining a shining personality and warm heart.
Smith’s friends recognize and respect her ability to balance and tackle her tasks as well as she does. “She has a lot of responsibilities, and she handles them really well,” said senior Lili Scott in terms of being in charge of the drums in the march and pep band, while balancing her work life and school life.
Her genuineness and accountability are admired by her closest friends. Scott has known Smith since freshman year, but the two began to get much closer in their sophomore year of high school. “She is always just such a genuine person,” Scott said. Smith’s caring and loyal heart is greatly appreciated by her close friends. “If you need something, you know that you can go to her and she will help you,” said Scott. Not only is her personality a reflection of the person she is, but the leadership qualities she obtains as well. “Gabby is a great leader,” said senior Eva Anderson. Anderson and Smith have taken band together all four years of their high school careers.
Smith does not plan to attend college following graduation in May 2025; however, she plans to figure out if a college education is in her future. She will continue to work to make money, and she hopes to eventually travel and explore before narrowing down her opportunities. With Smith’s wide variety of interests, she plans to consider any and every option before committing to just one thing.
Smith is the daughter of Michelle Hill-Smith.
