Marlow High School senior Gavin Banks has worked hard throughout his time at MHS in order to be the best that he can be, academically and personally.

Banks believes that there are many things to be appreciated throughout high school and that it is not all about academic success.

“It’s easy to only focus on grades,” Banks says. “School can become very competitive among the top academic achievers.”

There is much more to high school than just the grades and competition.

“Your time in high school is more about the friends you meet, the lessons you learn and finding out who you want to be,” Banks says.

The relationships Banks has made at MHS are ones that have made a strong impact on his life.

“My friends have led me by example and have shown me what is most important,” Banks says.

“They have really pushed me to put out my best in everything that I do.”

Leading by example is a trait that has developed into Banks’ character as he has impacted sophomore Noah Davis in the same way others have impacted himself.

“Gavin has been a great leader by showing me a solid friendship and encouraging me to be a better person and a hard worker,” Davis says.

The effects of leadership are something that Banks has been influenced by throughout high school from the impacts of his friends as well as youth pastor Mitch Boles.

“One of the best ways to be a leader is to serve others first and Gavin does that exceptionally well,” Boles says. “He is always thinking about others and putting them before himself. His actions reflect those of being a great leader.”

Banks is planning on using his strong leadership and character to get the most out of his future endeavors.

“I have learned many valuable lessons in and outside of the classroom,” Banks says. “Lessons learned throughout the high school experience builds one’s character and helps to prepare them for a successful adult life.”

To begin his life after high school, Banks will be in pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering.