U-Hi senior adds D.C. trip to feats

In June of this year, Seth Packwood, 17, received an official letter from Washington, D.C., notifying him that his advance placement chemistry teacher, Kenneth Matheison, had nominated him to serve as a national scholar representing the state at the National Youth Leadership Conference.

Packwood, a senior at University High school, has a grade-point average of 3.97. The letter described him as “an outstanding individual who has achieved academic excellence and possesses strong leadership potential.”

Though the trip was expensive, Packwood raised most of the money by holding garage sales at his Valley home, doing yard work and soliciting donations. Kathy Stevens, operations supervisor of Catton Financial Services, gave to his cause. “I knew what an opportunity he’d make of it,” she said, “I just knew he was that kind of person.”

Packwood attended the conference. For six days in September, his activities included a tour of Capitol Hill, participating in simulations of the branches of government, sitting through speeches, studying, and doing homework.

“I experienced things I can apply in the real world,” he said, “Just seeing D.C. was worth the trip.” He also made some friends, like-minded teens who don’t mind working hard.

Packwood works hard but it’s not always easy. “The hard times in my life are what have made me today,” he said, “and what still make me.”

Packwood considers loneliness the hardest part. Keeping himself in check and staying focused are not always easy when many of his schoolmates are making other choices.

Focusing on his religious faith has given him strength. “I often need a spiritual shower after school,” he said.

His goals are to be a member of the Honor Society and go on to college for an engineering degree. He also plays tennis and enjoys pottery. He urges teens that may be struggling to stop wallowing and do something about it.

“Every moment is another chance to turn your whole life around,” he said.

A line from “Lord of the Rings” perhaps sums up what Packwood is all about: “Because there’s some good left in the world, my friend. And it’s worth fighting for.”

Packwood will continue to do his best and see where else it takes him.