Salutatorian Amanda Hoyt looks forward to a life of helping others

By Dena Libner

Amanda Hoyt, salutatorian of the graduating class at Kennett High School, is a down-to-earth girl who is quick to smile and laugh. After an internship at Memorial Hospital last summer, Hoyt plans to study nursing (and minor in Spanish) at Regis College in Weston, Mass. The liberal arts college's student body is predominantly female, and Hoyt hopes the atmosphere will foster leadership skills she can use after she graduates. "I'm definitely nervous about roommates," said Hoyt with a smile. Other than that, she added, she is filled with nothing but excitement regarding her upcoming move from her Eaton home to a college on the outskirts of Boston."I'll miss high school but, at the same time, I'm looking forward to getting out," Hoyt explained. "There will be so many new opportunities." At Kennett High, Hoyt seems to be constantly on the move. She walks the halls with a comfortable confidence rarely seen in teenagers, and when a woman (her Spanish teacher, perhaps) walks past, she and Hoyt exchange a quick "Hola!" and wave.Hoyt plays trumpet in both the school's stage band and regular band. This year, she was captain of the volleyball team, and plans to play for the Regis team this fall. "I was really involved in the prom committee, too," Hoyt added.Hoyt was also on the yearbook committee this year, and liked it so much that she said she wished she had joined it sooner. "I think I might look forward to doing that in college, too," she said thoughtfully.In general, Hoyt seems interested in being a positive influence in her community, whether it's in the Mount Washington Valley, Regis College or where she will someday settle down. The youthful passion she has for her future career as a nurse, for example she's thinking she'd like to work in an emergency room someday seems to stem from a desire to help others. "I'm going to get my Emergency Medical Technician certification this summer," she said. "And in college, I'd like to be much more involved with community service."At the Class of 2006's June 17 graduation ceremony, Hoyt will give the traditional salutatory speech. She's still working on it, and, when asked what the theme is going to be, she gives a little smile."I'm keeping it a secret," she said.