Lychelle Mason acquired a passion for music at a young age. She said she sang every day to different instruments and songs for years before she eventually joined a choir.
“I really enjoyed listening to songs and being able to break down what instruments were used,” she said.
A clarinet player for three years, Mason is now learning to play the guitar. She participated in varsity choir for four years at Peninsula High School, and she may consider joining a community choir while she’s in college.
“I love to sing,” she said. “I think it’s so exciting to learn new songs and sound better every day.”
Mason has pursued art classes at Henderson Bay High School, and her art teacher, Patrick Duffey, said she is an outstanding, curious and creative student who “was willing to take chances with her artwork.”
For the past 2 1/2 years, Mason has focused on obtaining enough high school credits to graduate. A mom to her 2-year-old son, she made it a goal to finish her high school education.
“I told myself, ‘This is something I want and I need to do,’ ” she said. “I want to graduate and provide a good life for my son.”
Mason’s teachers say she is a student leader who has persevered through extra years of schooling while developing her character and maturity level.
“This young lady has made significant life changes, shifted her priorities and is experiencing success as she strives toward her goals,” said Wendy Christiansen, a Peninsula High School teacher.
“She is a teen parent of a wonderful little boy and still finds the time to produce quality work,” added Jo Ann Hrebec, a Henderson Bay teacher. “She often comes into school when classes aren’t in session to work on assignments, with the determination of reaching her goal of graduating in June.”
Mason, who plans to use her people skills while working as a dental hygienist in the future, said all the teachers who impacted her were among the best aspects of her high school years.
“With steadfast dedication to her son, a sense of purpose and the courage to discover her own potential, Lychelle strives to be the very best that she can be,” Christiansen said. “She has learned to manage her responsibilities, work with deadlines and to recognize the importance of persistence, following guidelines and advocating for herself.
“She has repeatedly surprised me with her successes, aspirations and made me very proud.”
Education: Senior, Henderson Bay High School
Parents: Deanna Mason and Robert Gordon
Activities/achievements: Clarinet; varsity choir (four years); concert choir; chamber choir; Seahawk Scoop; neighborhood road maintenance; PAA soccer.
Favorite teacher: “Patrick Duffey introduced me to new experiences and brought my art to a new level,” Mason said. “Karlene Miles pushed me to my limit, raised the bar higher.”
Best thing about high school: “Students address teachers by their first names, which I believe makes the relationship equal between us,” Mason said. “It makes me feel good to know they see me as an equal, and teachers are always willing to go the extra mile to help you.”
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