Sage Tocci

Sage Tocci of Naples has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for February.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School student who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a savings bond.

Student: Sage Tocci

Residence: Naples

Parent: Holly Polk

Sibling: Zeke Tocci

Activities: ST. This year, I’ve been involved heavily in coaching the WorldQuest team. It’s been a really good opportunity for me to learn how to lead without being too abrasive. It can be kind of stressful getting ready for a big competition, but the team is so great and I always have a good time. Everyone on the team is so fun and globally involved, it’s honestly inspiring.

Community activities: ST. I don’t have a lot of community activities this year (last year of high school is crazy stressful), but I always try to help out in little ways. I do have an interest in Saturday night suppers at the local UCC-CVC and donating clothes (monthly) to different clothes closets as I prepare to move out this coming summer. As I said, this year is crazy and I have had a hard time making weekly service commitments; however, I try to help out here and there whenever I can.

Hobbies: ST. In my free time, I play the ukulele and write slam poetry. I spend a ton of time outside walking around our beautiful state. I enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, along with other outdoor activities around our state (kayaking, swimming, ice skating). Last but not least, I attend yoga classes to help find my inner peace! (:

Future plans: Teaching future leaders!

Schools that you have or will apply to: University of Southern Maine, University of New England, COA, and St. Joseph’s College.

Schools that you have been accepted to: UNE, COA and SJC.

What is your favorite class? ST. I have always been gifted in languages. I like learning how the different grammatical rules all come together to create this big interconnected web of communication. In addition to this, you usually get a cultural lesson on the side (which I can not get enough of!).

What is your toughest class? ST. Math has always been a serious challenge for me. While I fly though my history, English, science and language classes, I seriously struggle in every and all forms of math. In my opinion, it’s the hardest language to understand and it just doesn’t click in my brain.

How do you balance your class work and your extracurricular activities? ST. By being responsible, practicing my deep breathing, and drinking lots and lots of espresso!

What is the biggest challenge high school students face today? ST. I would say the biggest challenge is making the choice between responsibility and fun. In today’s world, educating yourself is easier than it has ever been; however, so is not educating yourself. Students are constantly bombarded with the temptation of parties, hooky, Twitter, or sleeping in. I think choosing the responsible path is, perhaps, the biggest challenge anyone faces in this crazy modern world.

Who has inspired you educationally? ST. My mother has inspired me to educationally achieve throughout all of high school. She may not be a teacher or educator in any district, but she has taught me more than I can remember. In addition to these lessons, two years ago she graduated from nursing school. Throughout her entire college career, she showed me how to have a strong work ethic and still have fun. Watching her walk down the aisle at her graduation made me realize the importance of educating yourself and still inspires me every day.