This year, the Talisman is doing special features on 26 unique seniors throughout the school year to celebrate these past four years they’ve spent here. These students represent the different facets of the class of 2026 at Delaware Hayes.
Meet Zack:
Q: What activities are you involved in at Hayes?
A: I am involved in Varsity Golf, Symphonic Choir, Hayes Singers, Hayes Glee Club, Hayes Thespians and I’m a Hayes Student Section Leader (EE).
Q: Do you have any commitments outside of school?
A: Yes, I am involved with Young Life.Young Life is a ministry through our high school, introducing students to Jesus Christ and growing together in our faith as a community.
Q: How did you balance your schoolwork with your other commitments?
A: Growing up my Dad always said, “Do the things you need to do before you do the things you want to do.” Using this as a guide through my life, I have been able to find a good balance with getting my school work done at a reasonable time before I do my other non-school related commitments.
Q: What is your favorite memory from Hayes?
A: My favorite memory from Hayes was when the boys basketball team made it to the regional final in 2024 and they defeated Olentangy Orange to punch their ticket to the state final four. This was an amazing game. The boys played great and the environment was electric. And the victory tasted even better because we had lost to Orange the year before, so to give them a beating like that was a really good feeling.
Q: What has been your favorite class at Hayes and why?
A: My favorite class at Hayes has been Hayes Singers. Even though I have only been in [the class] for one year, I have been able to grow so much as a musician and grow so many friendships along the way.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for future high schoolers?
A: One piece of advice I would give to future high schoolers is to try new things. I have been living by a quote from the movie “Into The Wild:” “The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences.” I think this is so true. I would not be the person I am today without others around me pushing me to try new things. So don’t be afraid to sign up for an audition or tryout for a team because you never know what might come from it.
Q: What is one thing you’ll miss when you’re gone?
A: One thing I will miss when I am gone is just going to all of the sporting events with friends. One of my favorite things to do with my evenings is going to games at the school to go and support my friends. I love being there for them and watching them play the sports they love. And of course, getting food after is always a perk.
Q: What are your plans for after high school and why?
A: My plans are to go to college and study Consumer and Family Financial Services. I am doing the 2+2 program which means I am starting my college education at Columbus State until I get my Associates degree. Once I have that I will then transfer to The Ohio State University to finish my Bachelors. During this time I will be going through the Young Life college program in hopes to become a Young Life leader and placed at a high school somewhere in the Columbus area. Reaching out to kids in high school or middle school and introducing them to a life with Christ.
Good luck Zack! We are looking forward to seeing what you will achieve in these next steps.
