Samantha Louise Orner wakes up while it's still dark to prepare for a long day that includes school and extracurricular activities.

Recently, Orner was a speaker at the Capital High School Medical Pathway news conference, where issues such as the shortage of health professionals were addressed. She was chosen to speak because she volunteers with Challenge New Mexico, a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities. The Santa Fe High student also takes a French class at the Santa Fe Community College, and a health careers class at Capital High School. The reason behind her busy schedule is likely what some of her teachers have said — she has a great motivation and determination.

The 17-year-old junior dreams of being on Broadway — or doing something that involves theater. One of her most popular performances was when she played Willy Wonka in Pandemonium Productions presentation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory more than a year ago.

"I would like to be remembered by someone in some good way," she said.

Samantha has been involved in theater programs since she was an eighth-grader, and is enrolled in the musical theater program at Santa Fe High School. She also said that no matter what college she goes to, theater is a must, because it's her passion and makes her happy.

She said she feels inspired and influenced by her family and by everyone who believes in her. She lives each day for "Everyone who loves me for who I am and (those) who support me everyday," she said. "I always try to make them proud anyway I can."

Despite all her activities, she still loves to hang out with her family, friends and boyfriend. She loves to go to movies, have sleepovers and go horseback riding whenever she can.

Orner defines herself as "ditzy," and knows that one of the things that make her unique is her memory. "I have a strange habit of remembering things that most people don't," she said.

She proudly said that another of her talents is that she can make people happy. She also said she is grateful for having a loving family, friends and pets.



Dulce Cervantes is a junior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach her at elenacvt@yahoo.com.