By Derrick Smith

Deciding on a future career can be a tough decision for some people, while others find it to be a simple one. Ryleigh Orcutt lands in the second group. She is a junior at Alva High School and she already has a plan for her years after high school and she is taking classes at Northwest Technology Center to get a head start on her dream. “I want to pursue a career in marine biology,” she said. “So I decided that the biomedical program would benefit me and help me obtain my goal.”

Orcutt says that tech was an obvious choice for her since she has a campus close by. “I have always known about Northwest Tech,” she said. “I have wanted to go there, especially since we have a campus here in town. I think it was a great decision because I do believe that tech is preparing me for my future.”

As a student at Alva, Orcutt is a member of the Lady Goldbugs’ cheer squad. She started cheering when she was in the eighth grade and says that it has taken a lot to get where she is. “There is a lot that goes into it but it is worth it,” Ryleigh said. “It takes a lot of commitment, time, teamwork, and leadership to be successful in cheer. The highlight moment of the last four years I’ve been in cheer was when my cheer squad went to nationals my freshman year.”

Ryleigh has had different people that have had an influence on her, both as a person and an athlete, but she says that one person has helped shape her into the person she is in a big way. “My dad is one of my biggest role models,” she said. “He has always supported me in anything I do and teaches me that it is okay for me to be myself.”

Orcutt is also a member of the Student Council at Alva. She says that she would recommend tech to anyone interested. “I would definitely recommend going to Tech if they have a choice,” she said. “It is so much fun and beneficial to everyone who takes it.”