Senior Spotlight: Mary-Elizabeth Penhos

London Miller, Assistant Designer

May 6, 2025

Mary-Elizabeth Penhos is a senior at Wheeling Park High School and a second year member of the Park Press. She is passionate about so many different things, including writing. Penhos has definitely made the best of her four years up here at Wheeling Park High School.

“I joined the Press because sophomore year my friends were taking it and they were like this is so cool and I had already known Mrs. Droginske,” said Penhos. “I have always really been into writing too.”

Penhos is also very passionate about writing her own poetry.

“It gives me an outlet to be creative and to say things without actually saying them,” said Penhos.

When she isn’t writing for the Park Press or free-hand poetry; you will find her listening to music or crafting.

“I really really love music, I always have,” said Penhos. “I grew up in a very musically prominent family and my dad plays loads upon loads of instruments. I used to go to gigs all the time when I was little, so i’ve always just kind of grown up with music. I have also always really been into art, I love crafting anything, painting and drawing.”

After high school, Mary plans on attending West Liberty University and pursuing Elementary Education. Ever since she was little, she has never minded school and always imagined herself going to college.

“I have always dreamed about being a teacher I mean even since I was like really really little,” said Penhos. “That’s been my dream for like my entire life.”

Throughout the years, many teachers have made a positive impact on Mary’s life. One of the many teachers include Mrs. Droginske, a Speech and Debate coach and the Park Press adviser.

“She has given me the chance to be creative and to feel comfortable in my own skin and I love that about her,” said Penhos. “I always feel comfortable around her and her class, I always feel safe. She is so kind, so funny and she has definitely made a really large impact on who I am and how I want to go into my teaching career.”

If there is one piece of advice Penhos could give to incoming freshmen, it would be, “have fun, be kind, find your niche and just enjoy it because you don’t realize until the very end how sad it really is.”

Penhos is looking forward to pursuing her Elementary Education degree at West Liberty and is excited to start a new chapter of her life!

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About the Contributor

London Miller, Assistant Designer

London Miller is a 16 year old junior at Wheeling Park High School. This is her first year in journalism and her third year in the Broadcasting Technology Program. She finds pleasure in camera work, writing and editing. When she is not working with these things, you will find her reading, putting outfits together, listening to 80s music or spending time with her family. Ever since London was 8 years old, she has had a passion for photography. She has a whole wall full of pictures that she has taken throughout the years. When she was in 8th grade and went through what Wheeling Park had to offer, a class that included camera work was first on her list. London is a dedicated student and cares deeply about her school work. She has accomplished graduating from Bridge Street Middle School with high honors and received high honors for her academic ability at Wheeling Park. After she graduates high school, she wants to become a photojournalist. She is really looking forward to her first year working with the Park Press.