WEST MIFFLIN — Science has always been an interesting subject for Kenneth VanMeter.

It began with honors biology during his freshman year, and set him on his eventual college and career path.

“I took honors biology, and I really liked it. It was fun,” VanMeter said. “Science has always been one of my favorite subjects, so I took as many honors science classes as I possibly could.”

This year, he’s taking College in High School biology to earn a college credit and get ahead of his aspirations. By taking honors courses early, VanMeter prepared himself and fulfilled the honors requirement to take the upper-level CHS course.

VanMeter, who also serves as senior class president, says he’d like to attend Coastal Carolina University to study marine biology.

While his interest in science was a heavy factor, there was also one other thing VanMeter considered for his future school and career choices.

“I like swimming, I like the water, and I really don’t like the Pennsylvania weather up here,” he joked. “I’d rather be down there than up here with the snow.”

By taking CHS courses at West Mifflin, VanMeter also may be saving himself money in the long run. West Mifflin’s CHS courses are run through regional universities, including Pitt and Seton Hill, and students directly earn credits through those schools. If a student wants to go elsewhere, in this case Coastal Carolina, the student will need to check if the credit transfers between the universities. In most cases, universities do accept the transfer credits.

To learn more about West Mifflin’s AP/CHS offerings, click here.

In any case, the CHS course also has provided VanMeter a glimpse into the rigors of college courses, and also has showed college admissions professionals that VanMeter has pushed himself and can handle the challenges of a college courseload.

In addition to his role in student government, VanMeter participates in the Interclub Council, the Tri-M Honors Music Society, and the Titan Thunder Marching Band and concert bands. He also serves as club president for the Student Secretary Club, which assists teachers with day-to-day activities.

VanMeter is a percussionist in the bands, playing the tenor drums.

If none of that were enough, he also serves as a student representative at West Mifflin Area School District Board of Directors meetings.

“It’s giving me a good experience,” VanMeter said of his participation in extracurriculars. “It’s good life skills that you wouldn’t have learned other than by getting out there and actively trying to do something.”