A junior at Merion Mercy, Samantha Ross is a Diocesan Scholar who will be taking classes at Villanova next year, and is a Widener University High School Leadership Award Recipient. She is a joint leader of the E-STREAM Club at Merion Mercy, a joint leader of Fioritura Quartet (Merion chamber ensemble) and is the Merion School Orchestra concertmaster. She is also a member of Science National Honors Society, National Honors Society, and Math Honors Society/Mu Alpha Theta, as well as the Blue Key Society. She also participates in Mock Trial and Liturgical Ensemble at Merion Mercy and is a member of Delaware County Youth Orchestra.
Main Line Media News: Can you tell us the purpose of E-STREAM, and some of its most interesting activities?
Samantha Ross: E-STREAM is Merion’s creative STEM club, blending electronics, robotics, and art to foster exploration. I primarily focus on the VEX robotics side of the club, leading its startup this year, while also participating in the GovSTEM competition for fun. Our efforts in VEX robotics have opened doors for girls interested in robotics competitions and engineering. Additionally, we launched a space team, participating in NASA’s SPARX project, offering exciting virtual opportunities throughout the year.
Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about your goals as VEX Robotics leader.
Samantha Ross: Despite its newness this year, the program has been an incredible journey. As the student leader, I aim to foster skill development among our members, advocate for increased STEM education, boost participation, foster innovation, and, naturally, ensure we have a blast! Being a passionate advocate for inspiration, I believe that promoting STEM education and opportunities is pivotal for student growth. By expanding technical skills and involving more students and mentors, we encourage innovation and creativity. With VEX robots largely being self-designed, I enjoy the collaborative process of exchanging ideas to advance ingenuity.
Main Line Media News: As a member of the Blue Key Society, what is the most important thing you have learned about leadership?
Samantha Ross: Through my role in the Blue Key Society as a member and in-reach liaison, I’ve come to understand that leadership hinges on integrity, communication, positivity, and empowerment.
Main Line Media News: You are joint leader of Fioritura Quartet, the Merion School Orchestra concertmaster and a member of the Delaware County Youth Orchestra. What is your favorite performance piece of music with these groups and why?
Samantha Ross: While all the ensembles have different repertoire, my favorite piece from these has to be from DCYO, either Beethoven’s Leonore Overture no. 3, or Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony in E Minor – III. Lento con molto espressione. While we have also played great pieces by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Brahms, these pieces in particular stuck to me. Beach’s Gaelic Symphony was a beautiful lush romantic piece, while Beethoven’s Leonore is magnificent through the effective use of chordal and harmonic tones. Additionally, the motive of the woodwind and string “call and response” sections are wonderfully written, while the string buildup takes over the piece, and is so fun! Especially during rehearsals, many people would have a big smile on their face as it is exhilarating to play. While I could probably go on and on (since I adore classical music), I really enjoy the standard classical era and romantic era structure and styles that we have played in the ensemble.
Main Line Media News: You are a member of several honor societies – tell us a little about the most worthwhile service activity you’ve participated in through these honor societies.
Samantha Ross: As a SNHS (Science National Honors Society) member, I actively engaged in various science initiatives at Waldron Academy, collaborating with middle school students. One of the most worthwhile activities was my participation in helping assist in a forensics hair activity for Waldron’s STEM team. Witnessing young girls immerse themselves in hands-on science was immensely fulfilling, particularly as I had recently experienced similar opportunities in my own forensics class. It’s truly inspiring to witness more students igniting their passion for STEM!
Main Line Media News: You mentioned that your favorite current course at Merion Mercy is Robotics – why?
Samantha Ross: I’ve been able to dive into VEX robotics independently, tinker with Sphero robots, tackle various design challenges, and embark on a passion project. My chosen task is constructing a miniature rocket from a professional kit, diving headfirst into the intricate realm of hands-on experimentation. I look forward to being able to work on this!
Main Line Media News: What is your favorite book, and why?
Samantha Ross: For contemporary literature, I enjoyed Fahrenheit 451 as it was the first type of dystopian novel I read, and also the themes that could be explored were fun to dive into. Outside of contemporary works, I really enjoyed Hamlet. I loved every second of deep analysis and discussion in and outside of class. Around the same time this year, I found a new enjoyment in Shakespeare’s literature and went on to read Coriolanus, one of his other tragedies, which I also found interesting. The ability to dive into the text, theme, complex characters, and analysis, led me to my enjoyment.
(To be selected as Main Line Student of the Week, a student must first be nominated by his or her school.)
To view a gallery of the previous Main Line Students of the Week click here
