Performing in front of big crowds is nothing unusual for Bridgeport High School seniors Brent Sinsel and Catie Wilson. After all, when you are both standout athletes at the school and compete at Wayne Jamison Field you already know what it’s like to be in front of the masses.

 

Speaking to those masses, however, is a bit different. And that’s exactly what those two will be doing come May 26.

 

Sinsel and Wilson were recently chosen by the BHS faculty as the Class of 2018’s Mr. and Miss BHS. What that means is the pair will address not only their classmates, but the throng gathered for the May 26 graduation at Jamison Field.

 

“I’ve never spoken in front of that many people before. I actually get a little bit nervous when I have to speak in front of one of the classes,” said Sinsel. “I’m sure it will be an emotional day, but I’m pretty sure I’ll fine.”

 

Wilson sounded similar in her remarks about talking before what is often a sea of humanity on the home side of the Wayne Jamison Field complex.

 

“I’m a little bit nervous about it. I’ve been in front of big crowds, but this is different,” she said. “When I’ve been out there before I’m competing and just thinking about what I’m doing. This time it’s definitely different, but I’m confident I’ll be able to get through it.”

 

As is generally the case with the selections by the faculty, the students are well rounded. Sinsel is not an exception. It’s a key reason he was chosen for the honor.

 

“I’m honored. It’s one of the most prestigious things you can receive at our school as a senior. When you think about the fact that the staff voted on it, it really makes it a nice honor,” said Sinsel.

 

Along with being a member of the National Honor Society, he is also an AP Scholar that has earned an academic letter and lamp every year while in high school. He was runner-up in the West Virginia DECA competition for financial literacy and thanks to his portfolio of achievement he was selected to and attended Mountaineer Boys State, where he was elected to the House of Delegates.

 

His talents, however, go well beyond the classroom.

 

Sinsel, the son of Chip and Roberta Sinsel of Bridgeport, is gifted in the arts as well. For four years, Sinsel has been a member of the school’s state-award winning Jazz Ensemble where he is a tenor saxophone soloist. The Ensemble, which has been recognized for their performance at the Marshall Jazz Festival, allowed Sinsel to be named outstanding soloist at the event in 2016.

 

Many in the community know of Sinsel for his athletic exploits on the football field at the tennis court. A four-year member of the Indians football team, he was part of the school’s 2014 and 2015 Class AA state championship teams. During his junior and senior seasons, he started on offense and defense and captured all-Harrison County honors.

 

Sinsel, like football, is a letter winner on the tennis team. He’s had success in both singles and doubles play for the Tribe.

 

There’s more for the future West Virginia University student who has been accepted into the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and as an enrollee of the WVU’s Honors College. According to his Student of the Month release from the school, Sinsel’s other activities include sports/academic mentor, International Career Development Conference, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Math Field Day, freshman basketball, instructor of tennis clinic and member of Bridgeport United Methodist Church. He has been involved in several community service projects including WVU Children’s Hospital, Clarksburg Mission, Salvation Army Christmas stockings, trunk or treat, backpack ministry and flood relief.

 

So has he started his speech?

 

“I’ve started on it, but it’s not quite finished,” he said. “It’s a work in progress.”

 

As hard as that may sound to match, Wilson’s got sparking and jaw-dropping credentials as well. The daughter of Shawn and Nicole Wilson of Bridgeport, Wilson has managed to thrive in the classroom, on the field and away from the school as well – including being a member of the Bridgeport United Youth Group. It’s that type of diversity that likely had the staff at BHS give her the nod.

 

“It was really cool to know that I made an impact on more than one of my teachers throughout my four years at the school,” said Wilson. “It’s really a big honor to receive.”

 

The honor became because of an impressive resume. The National Honor Society member who takes Advanced Placement and college courses, has also earned her academic lamps and letters. On top of that, she’s involved with student government as a member of the Student Council executive Board for four years, serving as historian her junior year and currently as the student body vice president.

 

Wilson’s involvement in school isn’t limited to government. She’s been a member of the Drug-Free Club, Key Club and was on the BHS Homecoming Court her freshman and senior years.

 

As mentioned, she’s also involved in the community. Her service activities include serving meals at the Clarksburg Mission, visiting nursing homes and shopping for Angel Tree children.

 

Want more?  Wilson attended iBelieve leadership conference after her sophomore year and was elected by the GFWC Woman's Club of Bridgeport to attend the 2017 West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State, where she held multiple offices and received the Outstanding Citizens Award.

 

As for athletics, Wilson has overcome plenty of adversity and still has manager to thrive. She has had two major knee surgeries and still has managed to thrive.

 

Wilson is a four-year letter winner for the Tribe’s soccer team where she not only captain, but earned the Utlimate Teammate Award. Wilson was solid for the program as she earned all-Harrison County and all-Big 10 Conference honors, including the Big 10 Defender of the Year award and a selection to the North-South All-Star game.

 

In the winter months, Wilson has been a member of the BHS swim team – three times earning a letter. Again, she has landed all-Harrison County and all-Big 10 honors for her efforts that saw her compete in the state swim meet.

 

Currently, Wilson is competing in her final season of track for the Indians. She has already earned her fourth letter and is a multi-time state champion in relay events and has placed in other relay and individual events as well.

Wilson already has her college and career plans in order. She will be attending WVU this fall and majoring in exercise physiology. She plans on being a physical therapist.

 

What she doesn’t have quite yet is a completed speech for graduation.

 

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, but these last few weeks are going to be busy with track and school,” said Wilson. “Right now, my goal is to put it together once school ends.”