Samantha Ventura is a leader, both in and out of school.
The Jamestown High School senior has a lot on her plate. She sings in A'Cappella and Madrigals, and is in concert band and orchestra. Additionally, she is a part of the high school's Express Winterguard. And, she is a drum major for marching band.
She also used to run track, but has given up the sport in favor of other activities.
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Samantha Ventura
Being a drum major for the Red Raider Marching Band requires Samantha to be a leader to over 100 of her fellow high school students.
"It's not easy. It's very difficult, because I'm leading and in charge of my peers. I need to know when to be a friend and when to lead. It's hard, because I'm with my friends. But, I love it, it's great," Samantha said.
Samantha's dance experience is something that led her toward trying out for Winterguard while she was still in middle school. She began dance classes when she was 3 years old, and then moved on to other activities this year.
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"I tried out for Winterguard with my sister. I was really bad at first, but I really liked it. I'm glad I decided to stick with it," Samantha said.
Samantha has been in Winterguard for six years now. She said that her Winterguard team seems like her second family, because everyone is so close.
Next year, Samantha is planning on attending Jamestown Community College. She eventually would like to move on to a four-year school, such as West Virginia University or Mercyhurst College, to study interior design.
"My mom's always been into design, I think it's rubbed off on me," Samantha said. "I started looking into interior design a little bit, and I'm really enjoying it."
Samantha has been taking a few art classes at Jamestown High School, as a way to gear up for her future career. Last year, she took Studio Art I at the high school. This year, she has continued on with more art classes.
Additionally, Samantha is taking AP courses at the high school. She is taking an AP English course, as well as an AP government course.
When Samantha isn't busy leading the marching band or at a competition with her Winterguard family, she is working. She recently began a job at Wegmans as a cashier.
"It doesn't leave me a lot of time for after-school activities," Samantha said. "It's hard to juggle everything, especially with having a job."
Samantha does juggle everything though, which makes her a leader for her peers, those she works with in marching band and her Winterguard teammates.