If Wright City High School is looking for a student to advocate for its staff, Zach Stewart would be a wise choice. When it comes to discussing his experience in the district, the R-II senior is glowing with positivity. In fact, his career choice has been paved by the work of Band Director Bill Schaffer, who inspired Stewart to pursue a degree in music education. A member of the marching band, concert and pep band, he plays the trumpet. Stewart has also participated in winter drum line.Originally from St. Peters, he started attending Wright City during elementary school and has taken full advantage of the district’s offerings ever since.“I’m a pretty busy guy,” quipped Stewart, who is also the captain of the Scholar Bowl team and has played varsity golf since his freshman year.He is also a member of National Honor Society and participated in Chess Club during its earlier existence in the school.When not focused on his education or extracurricular endeavors, Stewart loves talking politics or working at his job serving customers at Fritz’s Frozen Custard in Wentzville.Stewart is considering the University of Central Missouri as a college choice, after being chosen to attend Missouri Boys State there over the summer. He counts the experience as one of the most memorable of his life, as it prepared him for the next phase of his education.Q: What sparked your interest in band?“Before middle school, they sent out a letter to see who was interested. At first I thought it was nerdy. During a demonstration, as soon as Schaffer got out his silver trumpet and started playing, I was sold. It was one of those inspiring moments that you don’t realize the implications at the time. That was the fork in the road that took me where I am now. I want to be able to do for other people what Schaffer did for me.”Q: What do you enjoy about golf?I enjoy the game, going out on a nice day and playing a round,” said Stewart. “I’m pretty good at it, and it’s a great way to spend your time, not just sitting at home. I like that golf is a gentleman’s sport.”Q: What drives interest in politics?“Last summer I started learning about Bernie Sanders, listening to him. I’ve watched a ton of debates, and the primaries were fantastic. I love that with the internet you can do your own research and form your own opinions.”Q: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?“Mine is kind of a group accomplishment. My sophomore year we sent a recording to the Missouri Music Educators Association. It was our first year recording, and we were selected. We worked really hard, and that kind of kicked off last year as the busiest year we’ve every had in the program.”Q: What do you like most about attending Wright City High School?“We have an administration that supports us really well. We had both principals and a board member there at our competitions. It’s really great that we have that support from them and we are all very thankful for that.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“There are so many people who have influenced me. I would say the Schaffers, especially. I’ve known them for seven years, and they’ve inspired me. My parents have also pushed me to be my best. They care about me and want me to be great in whatever I do.”Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?“Paris, London, Japan.”Favorite Food: “Italian food.”Favorite Restaurant: “El Maguey — best Chicken Nachos.”Favorite TV Show: “House of Cards.”Favorite Movie: “The Goonies and The Breakfast Club.”Favorite Song: “Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers.”Favorite Musician: “Dave Matthews Band.”Zach Stewart