Whiz Kid: Stephanie Gil, PHS Junior

Name: Stephanie Gil

Age: 17

School: Peekskill High School

Accomplishment: Stephanie is one of the stars of Seussical, the Peekskill Drama Club’s spring play, while also playing leading roles in many other PHS clubs and organizations and maintaining an A plus average. In addition, she also wrote a press release for Seussical, which you can read here.

Key to Awesomeness: Stephanie is a mature, dependable, responsible and hard-working young woman. Her qualities are demonstrated in her many school activities and are lauded by PHS drama teacher Katie Schmidt Feder.  

“Stephanie is at every fundraiser and works her tail off,” Katie said, explaining that she can always count on Stephanie to help out no matter what she needs.

 “I like giving back and making people feel happy,” Stephanie said explaining her involvement with the school’s Interact Club, a community service organization for which she serves as secretary. Stephanie’s desire to help others is part of what led her to be involved with the school musical. “The (Seussical) music is so happy, and because the music is happy I am happy singing it, and you can get the same reaction from the audience too.”

Stephanie has been dedicating hours every day to after-school practice for the play while also serving as secretary of the student council, president of the Academic Competitors Club, treasurer of the class council and math honors society, playing flute in the band, taking several advance placement classes and holding down a job as a secretary for Main Street Acupuncture. And last quarter Stephanie’s average was 98 percent.

“I try not to waste time,” Stephanie said. “I don’t like having nothing to do and always have to be busy.”

Stephanie’s parents have been a big support for her, helping her manage her time and activities. “They keep me going if it gets hard,” she said.

To catch Stephanie and her castmates in Seussical you can buy tickets at the door for the 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows or the 2 p.m. Sunday show. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $7 for seniors and children under 10.