Hilliards — Justin McNeish has always wanted to become a leader, which is why he sought the responsibilities of student council president at Moniteau High School.

“I wanted to run for that office because I like to think of myself as outspoken and not afraid to speak my mind even when the majority is against my opinion,” said McNeish, 17.

Now in his third year as student council president, McNeish has gotten used to balancing its demands.

“I oversee the meetings,” he said. “What we do is help donate money around the school where it may be needed.”

McNeish, who also serves as student council secretary, helps the group organize fundraisers, such as selling candy bars and planning a spring carnival.

“I figured that getting involved with student council would be a good way to develop leadership skills outside of the classroom and it has,” he said.

In addition to the opportunities provided by student council, McNeish said he also appreciates attending Moniteau because of its small size.

“It is very nice to feel like more than just a number,” said McNeish, one of about 120 students in the senior class.

Outside of school, he considers himself something of a history buff.

“I really enjoy learning (about) the different aspects of what has gotten us this far,” he said “I also enjoy the many different opinions which can come from history.”

McNeish also keeps busy with Moniteau's golf team in the fall and baseball team in the spring.

He has played baseball since age 4 and has played third base throughout his high school career.

“The coach, and the bond you form with teammates: There's nothing like it,” he said. “You can't beat it. You make so many friends and meet so many people.”

He hopes to continue playing baseball this fall when he enters college. McNeish has been accepted at Penn State Behrend, where he plans to study civil engineering.

“Behrend appealed to me because it's the second-largest (Penn State) campus,” he said. “I've been up there several times and visited. It's a very small, quaint place.”

He said he was inspired by his uncle, Mark Fallen of West Sunbury, who is a Penn State alumnus and a civil engineer.

To further explore the career, McNeish completed a job shadowing program through the state Department of Transportation.

“I have an idea of what a civil engineer does and what I want to do,” he said.

The program was arranged through PennDOT in Oil City, and he called the job shadowing “an awesome experience.”

McNeish completed the assignment to add credibility to his senior project. Moniteau students must complete a senior project before graduation.

“During the day, I would go around to different offices and the engineers there would explain to me what it is they do,” said McNeish. “I was able to ask questions and they were extremely helpful.”

Although his senior year has its perks, McNeish said one of the biggest privileges is serving as a role model for underclassmen.

“I would have to say, just the fact that I am now able to present an example, which is not only good, but also beneficial to the younger generation,” he said.

He went on to say he strives to set a good example for his brother, Josh, who is in seventh grade.

“I try to make sure that he is both kind and courteous, not only to me and our family but others around him as well,” he said.

<B>Age: </B>17<B>Address: </B>Hilliards<B>Family: </B>Parents, Clyde and Jenny McNeish, and brother, Josh<B>Education: </B>Senior at Moniteau High School<B>Interests: </B>Baseball, golf, history<B>Quote: </B>“It is very nice to feel like more than just a number.”