High school students can have a lot of people in their lives that influence them and help them grow into solid adults. But there might be one group of people that can sometimes get overlooked and that is the teachers whose classrooms they sit in each and every school day. Dillan Pinney-Mahler is a senior at Stillwater High School and he has one teacher that has really impacted his life.
“The teacher with the biggest influence on me was Mrs. Ziegler,” he said. “She is my theatre teacher and by far has had the biggest impact on me in all my years of school. She is the type of teacher that understands you and wants the best for you. Her class is always enjoyable and she is always trying to help improve your acting skills. Not only do I have a new found love of theatre but I have also learned many life lessons through this class.”
Dillan is a discus thrower on the Pioneers’ track and field team. He also started the Jesus Club at his school last year and it has seen a lot of growth.
It takes a lot of time and effort to be successful in any sport, and discus throwing is no different. Though the physical work is important, Dillan knows that the mental aspect of it is just as vital.
“It has taken a ton of determination to get better at my sport,” he said. “There have been many hours in the gym and thousands of reps in order to refine my throw. Technique is one of the most important parts when it comes to throwing and it’s not something that you can just pick up. It’s a constant grind each year to keep improving.”
DIllan also enjoys checking in on people on social media, but he has one that he enjoys following the most.
“My favorite person I follow on social media is Bryce Crawford (@brycecrawford),” he said. “I am all for everything this guy is about. His testimony is very inspiring and he dedicates his life to sharing the gospel to others. It really shows how my generation doesn’t have to wait to grow up in order to make a change.”
