Mollie Smith poses with playbills from her favorite musicals for her senior pictures. (Photo provided)

VINCENT — Seventeen-year-old Mollie Smith, a senior at Warren High School, has been named the Marietta Times Teen of the Week.

With a passion for performing arts, involvement in school activities, and a recent love for sports, Smith exemplifies the balance of dedication and enthusiasm.

Smith’s calendar is packed with music and performance commitments. She participate in four music groups at Warren High School: Bells 2, Acapella, Treble Chorus, and Voice Chorus. When asked about their love for music, Smith beams.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” Smith said. “Whether it’s singing, performing, or just being surrounded by it, it gives me so much joy.”

Her love for performing extends beyond the choir. Every year, Smith takes the stage in Warren High School’s musicals, showcasing their talent and passion for theater. In recent history, Smith has performed as Annie in the musical “Annie” and Winthrop Paroo in “The Music Man.” She’s currently preparing college applications, aiming to study for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at either West Virginia University or the University of Cincinnati.

From left, Payge Cornell, Mollie Smith and Bennett Borman perform in Warren High School’s production of “The Music Man.” (Photo provided)

“Theatre has been my heart for the last seven years,” Smith said. “Stepping onto a stage for the first time was like a fever dream–I just knew it’s what I wanted to do forever. The theatre is one huge family, and I’m so thankful for all the friends I’ve made and the tough times it’s helped me through.”

Smith’s theatre experience doesn’t stop at school; she’s a regular at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. Currently, they are in rehearsals for a production of “The Miracle Worker” where Smith will play a young Helen Keller. In the past, Smith has participated in the ensemble of “Aladdin Jr.,” Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins,” Brigitta VonTrapp in the “Sound of Music” and The Wizard in the “Wizard of Oz.”

In addition to her performing arts pursuits, Smith joined Warren High School’s disc golf team this year.

“I just joined, and I love it!” Smith said. “My dad plays with his friends, and when I saw the school was starting a team, I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve never been super athletic, but I have the best coach ever, and it’s been so much fun.”

As Smith prepares to graduate, their goals are clear: pursuing her dreams in musical theatre while continuing to embrace the opportunities life throws her way. Whether she’s singing on stage, rehearsing lines, or tossing a disc on the course, Smith’s enthusiasm is contagious.

From left, Mollie Smith and brother Daniel Smith hold parrots while on a vacation in South America. (Photo provided)

Mollie Smith shows off her Solo and Ensemble scores, in which she received the highest rating in the most difficult class. (Photo provided)

Mollie Smith performs as Annie in Warren High School’s production of the musical “Annie.” (Photo provided)