Teen focused on music, volunteering

ST. MARYS - Amanda Newlove splits her time between classroom work, community service and the performing arts.

"I love band," Newlove, 18, said. "It's my favorite class and I'm not just saying that."

Newlove's father is the band director at her school, Memorial High. Newlove plays the saxophone and was a field commander during the marching season.

"Band is an escape," she said. "When I'm stressed out, I can go to band and feel better. Jazz is my favorite for sure, to play and listen to."

Newlove also sings in the school choir, acts and is the president of the Drama Club.

"Acting gives you a chance to forget about everything else in the world and step into new roles," Newlove said. "I love it. It's so ... it's hard to explain. I like it because I feed off the audience's energy."

Newlove will appear May 8 and 9 as the diva, Dena, in the school's production of "Caught in the Act." In the past, Newlove was in "Cinderella," "Pirates of Penzance," "Cowtippers," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Shut and Bar the Door" and "15-Minute Hamlet.'"

Newlove is in several service-related groups, including National Honor Society as vice president, Relay for Life as co-captain, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Auglaize and Mercer Counties, and the Holy Rosary Church choir and youth group as president.

"I volunteer because I like working with people," Newlove said. "I like giving back."

Newlove has also been involved in a number of fundraisers, including efforts that raised money for Agape Ministries and Relay for Life. Agape Ministries runs a food bank.

"It was a big year for our Relay for Life team," Newlove said. "We raised $11,000 with our Polar Plunge. It was really awesome and the weather was great for March."

The Agape fundraiser was run by the church youth group, which also visits residents of local nursing homes and holds recycling and litter pickup projects.

"It's a different way to praise God and use the talents he's given me," Newlove said.

When asked how she felt about God, she replied with a chuckle, "I'm a big supporter."

Newlove said one of her favorite groups to work with is Big Brothers Big Sisters, even though she's only been with the organization for a year.

"You develop a personal relationship with your ‘little sibling,'" Newlove said. "You become their mentor, which is cool."

Newlove said she helps her little sis do homework, plays games with her and spend time engaged in one-on-one discussions.

A senior at the high school, Newlove takes advanced-placement classes in English, chemistry and government.

After high school, Newlove plans to study sociology with a focus on social work at the University of Dayton. She also hopes to participate in the university's choir and band programs.

For fun, Newlove hangs out with friends and scrapbooks.

She is the daughter of Dane and Karen Newlove. She has a sister, Lindsey, 20, and a brother, Troy, 15.