As a freshman, four years feels like a lifetime. By senior year, everyone understands that four years are truly gone in an instant. As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to this year’s seniors. One student who quickly comes to mind as a standout in her class is Bri Zoeckler, President of the Humanities Club, Vice President of both the Debate Team and the International Thespian Society, and a first-year staff writer for the Park Press.
Speech and Debate, in particular, is the easiest place to zoom in if you want to see Bri’s success. Not only is she the Vice President of Debate, but she also took home sixth in the state in Congressional Debate. Continuing in the fine arts, Bri is also very involved in Park’s theater department, taking on the role of ‘Grandmama Addams’ in this year’s showing of The Addams Family.
Her brilliance is not lost on those around her.
Bri’s Precalculus and AP Statistics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler, said, “Last year, I went to the Speech and Debate Showcase in March and had the opportunity to see Bri in a debate. That’s when I really knew she was special.”
Not only has debate shown Bri great success, but it has also paved the way for her future. “Speech and Debate has helped me find my future career, as well as learn more about myself and gain more self-confidence than I ever thought possible… It’s even inspired me to join the forensics team at Marshall next year”.
Speaking of college, Bri plans to major in both English and Mathematics, with the goal of attending law school after. By combining her passion for the liberal arts with mathematics, Bri stands out among her peers.
“A math whiz destined for a career in STEM who is also an extremely intimidating and well-spoken debater? I’m convinced that she will accomplish whatever she sets her mind to (and then some). She cannot be stopped,” said Wheeler.
Beyond academics, Bri has also made an impact in her short– but very sweet– time writing for the Park Press.
Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I joined the press my senior year, very last minute, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s been a lot of fun and has exposed me to different people and parts of the school I knew little about.”
Teachers describe Bri’s character as both intellectually gifted and extremely hard-working.
“She is a natural problem-solver whose approach to math goes far beyond memorizing procedures,” said Wheeler, “Bri reasons her way through really challenging problems every day and can communicate that reasoning to the other students in class.”
Others echo that same admiration, such as Mr. Cirilli, Bri’s World History and AP Psychology teacher.
“Bri is one of the most dedicated and memorable students I’ve taught,” said Cirilli.
Whether you know her from class, the theater, or Speech and Debate, Bri has undoubtedly left her mark on Wheeling Park High School. As she prepares for the next chapter at Marshall University, there is no doubt that her ambition and determination will lead her towards success.
