High School is a time of intensive learning and personal growth. Students often have to balance an active schedule of academics and extracurricular activities while also exploring the endless possibilities for their futures.
We had the opportunity to chat with three exceptional Mason High School (MHS) seniors and student-athletes who strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
Steven Habra started swim lessons at a very young age, which eventually led him to join the MHS swim team. Steven has since earned a varsity letter the past two years and obtained district qualifying swim times.
Steven also plays the Marimba as the Head Section Leader for the Mason Marching Band Front Ensemble.
“I’ve always had a love for music. I’ve played piano since I was four and Marching Band is a great way to continue my passion,” Steven explained.
Steven’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Mason High School athletic director Scott Stemple reflected:
"Steven is a multi-talented student meeting the rigorous demands and commitments as a member of the Mason HS Marching Band and Swim Team, while at the same time excelling with his academics and volunteer service to the community"
When not occupied with swimming or band, Steven enjoys both playing and programming video games. He plans on majoring in Electronic Engineering next year.
Overall, Steven maintains a positive attitude when dealing with challenges.
“When you are faced with adversity, you need to put your maximum effort into overcoming it. When the season is all said and done, you will realize that the journey is more meaningful than any accomplishments.”
Sanjana Reddy has been playing tennis since she was five and began participating in competitions by the age of ten. She joined the MHS tennis team freshman year and placed second at the state level. The team went on to place first for the following three years.
"Sanjana has excelled in many areas,” Scott explained. “She is a superior student, accomplished tennis player, service-oriented leader and an even better person.”
Sanjana also volunteers at UC Hospital, where she has shadowed several different careers over the past few years. She plans to continue this interest next year at the University of Cincinnati where she will major in Medical Sciences and continue to play tennis. Sanjana's ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician.
“I want to go into something where I can actively better someone’s life, which is why I plan on going into medicine,” Sanjana explained.
Sanjana’s advice to young athletes can be applied to people from all walks of life:
“You have to be open-minded and be okay with things not going your way from time to time. It’s important to bounce back stronger than before and learn from your mistakes.”
Megan Wagner began playing basketball as a young child. While living in North Carolina, she became serious about the sport after meeting a special coach who encouraged her to work hard and practice every day.
"Megan is an energetic team leader and tremendous student, who possesses a great passion for serving and helping the causes of others in need,” Scott commented.
Megan and her mother, Amy, are also very active with CancerFree Kids, an organization that raises money for critical pediatric cancer research.
“The last three years I’ve been able to run a fundraiser at our school called This Is Our Fight Game and it has raised over $30,000,” Megan shared.
The This Is Our Fight Game fundraiser was created in honor of Liz Lothrop, a former Mason basketball player who lost her battle to cancer in May 2016.
Megan has committed to playing for Western Michigan University next year where she plans to major in business.
Her parting words to young athletes encourage positivity and perseverance.
“I would tell a struggling young athlete to keep working harder than anyone else, every single day. The only thing that will help you improve in your sport is continual practice and repetition.”