Thriving off her creativity, Aneliese Schmidt has used her strengths in sight and sound to make the most of her time at Wright City High School.The senior was recently awarded first place for her original story about a man dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also received third place in poetry reading during the event at Clopton, using parts of different songs to construct her piece.“I’ve always been passionate about writing and creativity in general,” said Schmidt. “You have to look at creativity from everyone’s point of view.”Aside from speech and drama, Schmidt says she is intrigued by anything that helps her “create something out of nothing.”She spends much of her time drawing, steering away from political topics. Schmidt says she also stepped away from social media to focus on her own creativity and talents, so as not to be swayed by others.The second oldest out of five children, Schmidt went to private school in North County before moving to Wright City after first grade. She has two dogs, a cat and two rabbits, Torretto and Peanut Butter.Q: What are your favorite classes?“One of my favorite classes is one I’m not taking any more, because I was in color guard for four years, and it was a really fun experience. The whole program in general is very positive and it was a good growing experience in how to be a good leader.”Q: Who is someone who has been influential in your life?“Mrs. Schaffer, because I’ve always come to her with problems at points in my life when it was bad. During freshman year she was my rock and it was nice to be able to have that type of figure in my life.”Q: What sparked your interest in drawing?“When I was really little I watched a lot of cartoons. Our parents gave us the freedom of expression, and I used my drawing as an outlet for my creativity.”Q: What are your college and career aspirations?“I am currently looking into finding a tattoo shop to work at, because I like drawing, and tattoos are fun. Also, I want to go to the Art Institute in St. Louis, because it’s an excuse to go to school and draw.”Q: If you could travel anywhere you wanted, where would you choose and why?“As cliche as it sounds, because I love grunge music and coffee, it’d be Seattle. A lot of great things came out of Seattle in the 1990s. If I had the money to live in Seattle I would. I like rain and the cold weather so I wouldn't feel out of my element.”Q: What is your favorite memory from high school?“I’d probably have to go back to marching band and say sophomore year when we had a new color guard tech come in. Her name is Emily, and she is amazing at what she does.”Favorite Food: “Cheesecake.”Favorite Restaurant: “Any Chinese food place.”Favorite Movie: “Goodfellas and Fight Club.”Favorite TV Show: “South Park.”Favorite Song: “Somewhere I Belong.”Favorite Band: “Linkin' Park.”Aneliese Schmidt