For the most part, the similarities between Bridgeport High School seniors Titus Smith and Hannah Dunn are easily noticeable. Both are not only talented students heavily involved in extracurricular activities, but they’ve also made it a habit to be involved in community activities to a large extent.

 

There’s one other similarity the pair can add to their list. The pair have been selected by the school’s faculty as Mr. and Mrs. BHS for the Class of 2017. The choice is made by faculty based on strong leadership, character and academic qualities.

 

The selections comes with more than just the distinction of having the respect of the faculty. It also comes with the requirement of being one of the two student speakers at this year’s graduation.

 

Both, as you will soon read, have the traits that allowed for the honor in spades. However, there’s one thing they don’t have in common as the 9 a.m., May 27 graduation approaches at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

Smith is still putting his thoughts to his speech. Dunn has already wrapped her speech up.

 

“I already have my speech finished. It focuses on thanking people that have been there for you and how those individuals have helped me and have helped others reach success in life,” said Dunn, the daughter of the late Kristina Dunn and the granddaughter of Angela Scalise-Ammons and Joseph Ammons.

 

Dunn, like her counterpart, has been extremely involved in activities at Bridgeport High School. Joseph Ammons. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a bevy of volunteer activities, including being a member of the Children of the American Revolution while volunteering for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

 

“I really enjoy volunteering. I’ve been involved in a blod drive, prepared food for a meal at the (Clarksburg) Mission, helped with backpacks for kids that may not have food during the weekends and have volunteered at the Bridgeport (Public) Library,” she said. “It’s all been a lot of fun.”

 

As for school activities beyond being an excellent student, Dunn is a four-year band member and has excelled. Dunn has been involved with the marching, concert, and jazz bands to a strong enough level that she has performed for the All-Harrison County Band and the West Virginia University Honor Jazz Band.

 

Music won’t be her primary focus when she enters college. Dunn, who will be a freshman for the 2017-18 academic year, plans on majoring in biology in order to become a dentist.

 

“I love the feeling of helping other people and helping them out when they’re struggling,” said Dunn on why she wants to be a dentist.

 

While biology is the main focus, she won’t be abandoning her love of music. She will minor in music performance.

 

“Music has been important to me. If I’m upset or stressed, I can always turn to music knowing I can trust it to calm me down and keep me busy,” said Dunn. “I know, though music, everything will be all right.”

 

Dunn said she would like to spend her free time after college as part of a community band or join a group. She said would enjoy being part of an area group that plays various clubs. Perhaps that’s the reason she’s not worried about getting in front of what will likely Jamison Field crowd to represent the Class of 2017.

 

“I’m actually really comfortable in front of people so it won’t be a problem,” said Dunn. “I guess it’s the result of getting up and performing.”

 

Smith, not surprisingly, is in the same boat. He’s not sweating getting up and speaking.

 

“I’m not really worried about it at all,” said Smith.

 

Smith also wasn’t too concerned not having his speech done as of Wednesday of this past week. In fact, he sounded like he was just needing time to put his thoughts and information together as he already knows the angle that he’ll take during his speech.

 

“I want to give the impression that it’s not last time we’ll be seeing one another in most situations.We’ll see one another again, maybe at a class reunion or some other venue,” said Smith. “Chances are we’ll all meet again.”

 

Smith said he’s been talking with his friends on polishing up the finer points of his presentation. He said some of them want it to be inspirational and some want it to provoke emotions. The goal, no matter what route he takes, will be the same.

 

“I want to start off strong and finish strong with it, which is important,” said Smith, the son of Alan and Cathleen Smith. “If you don’t do that there’s a chance some will find it boring.”

 

Few could say Smith’s high school career has been boring. He’s a member of the French Club, Chess Club, Science Bowl, and TEAMS, and has belonged to French Honorary since his sophomore year. This year, he was inducted into National Honor Society his junior year and has been a coordinator for the induction ceremonies.

 

His extracurricular activities also include sports. Smith participates in track and swimming. In swiming, he was captain and earned first team All-Harrison County, All-Big 10, and Academic Swimmer of the Year award this year. Smith also qualified for the state meet.

 

And there’s a little bit more for the young man who will be heading to West Virginia University to study civil engineering. Titus Smith has nearly obtained the rare status of Eagle Scout with Bridgeport Troop 40.

 

“I’m honored that my friends and family have supported me in that endeavor and so many things,” said Smith. “With the Eagle Scout, it’s not easy when you consider 98 percent drop out before they get there.”

 

So where does he find the time?

 

“Sometimes it’s the amount of time I’ve needed has conflicted with swim meets and track meets in particular because they last so long. When that happens, getting studying in after a long day it can be tough. For the most part I have had fun with it,” said Smith.

 

Smith was also named the recipient of the 2016 Benedum Youth Service Award. He said he hopes to continue providing service and volunteering once in college.

 

“It will be nice to focus more on academics, but I also know it’s important to find time to grow as a person and meet new people,” he said. “I like to stay busy. People can get in trouble if they’re not staying busy.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo taken by BHS student Mychaela Antill and courtesy of the Journalism Department under the direction of Mrs. Alice Rowe. Second photo shows Hannah Dunn performing at Wayne Jamison Field, while Titus Smith is shown throwing the discus at a recent regional meet.