Melanie Zook

One of Melanie Zook's favorite pastimes is watching films. She likes them so much that last semester, she co-founded the John Marshall High School Film Society. Every month, the society shows a film, usually a classic, in the new school auditorium.

"We want to educate students on the impact of important films, not only in the cinematic community, but also in all of society," Zook said.

Last Christmas break, Zook learned to knit. She especially enjoys knitting scarves, which she plans to donate to Worshippers for Warmth, an organization at her church, St. Francis Episcopal, that provides winter clothes to refugees and low-income families.

Though Zook, 16, is younger than most high school seniors, she doesn't let that stand in her way. She has been ranked first in her class for the past three semesters, is principle clarinetist in her band program and is also the band president.

Zook has always had a passion for writing, and she puts those skills to practice by writing for her school newspaper, the Rampage, where she has been copy editor for two years and editor-in-chief for one year.

Zook plans to earn a degree in English but has yet to decide which college she will attend.

"I'd rather go out of state," she said. "I was born and raised in San Antonio, so I'd like to expand my horizons in college."