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Isle of Wight County Schools named Smithfield High School senior Samantha Conyers and Windsor High School senior Trent Taylor as its seniors of the month for April.

IWCS recognizes a senior of the month from SHS and WHS at each monthly School Board meeting. Both students, who were each recognized at the board’s April 11 meeting, will receive a $500 scholarship made possible through donations from the division’s business partners.

Conyers, who serves as Smithfield High’s student liaison to the School Board, is an outgoing, well-spoken, hardworking student who displays strong character and school pride. She also serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, where she contributes to discussions on relevant divisionwide issues. As the School Board’s student liaison for SHS, Conyers gives insight into the needs of her classmates and her school community. 

Conyers is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Green Club, and outside of school works at Busch Gardens and is active in her church’s youth group. She recently earned her certification in scuba rescue and is working toward being a certified dive master.

“Samantha is spirited, kind, and driven. Her passion for marine science shows in all that she does. As an active member of the Green Club, she is concerned about keeping the environment clean, and she is also an advocate for clean oceans. I admire her desire to make an impact on improving our environment,” said Conyers’ science teacher, Awilda Chambers.

Conyers plans to attend Coastal Carolina University and major in marine science.

The division describes Taylor as a problem-solver with confidence and a strong work ethic. These characteristics have been observed in various classroom activities, such as his recent enthusiastic participation in projects like the shrinky-dink experiment in chemistry class.

Outside the classroom, Taylor is passionate about music and singing, having taught himself to play the guitar.  Despite juggling responsibilities that include employment at Food Lion since his sophomore year and being an active member of the WHS track team, Taylor has managed to excel academically.

“Trent is one of the most thoughtful and genuine students in the senior class. His friendly and kind disposition has made him a favorite among teachers and students alike,” said Taylor’s history teacher, Matthew Burgess. “Combined with his academic skills and responsible nature, his amiable character will lead him to great success in life. We will all miss Trent when he graduates.” 

Taylor plans to major in business at James Madison University.