Amanda senior Aidan Rich didn't let challenges stop him from pursuing an acting career

AMANDA − Amanda-Clearcreek High School's 2024 Outstanding Senior Aidan Rich faced a challenge most students don't have to face.

"I have overcome a lot in my high school career," he said. "I had an autism spectrum diagnosis in primary school, and that's come with some ups and downs. It's definitely made me smarter than I normally would be and helped with my creative inclinations and artistic expression. But it's also held me back quite a bit."

Rich said that includes misreading social cues and overthinking some things he says in conversation.

"Academically, I'm very distractible," he said. "My mind is prone to wandering and I'll just drift off at a moment's notice. I miss a lot of things in class and I need to be caught up after the fact."

Despite his challenges, Rich will graduate with a 4.18 grade point average.

During high school, he was a National Honor Society member and was involved in the drama club, participating in three productions. Additionally, Rich acted in several Ohio University Lancaster theater productions.

He also ran varsity track for three years and varsity soccer for two years.

Rich said he organized his time well and allowed for free time in order to succeed in school.

He plans to go to OUL in the fall for two years and then transfer to the Athens campus and plans on majoring in fine arts. Rich wants to become a stage, voice and/or screen actor.

"It's definitely going to be hard work," he said. "That industry is very competitive. But I think I can make it. You know how they say do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life? I really, really enjoy acting. I enjoy performing for people and I enjoy making them feel emotions. It's all the escape from reality it provides. I get to be somebody else and all these different characters and share their story with other people."

Rich said incoming freshmen should find their passion and find their people in order to succeed in high school.

"Don't be afraid to be yourself and go after the things that excite you," he said. "Surround yourself with people who will raise you up and support you."

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter/X: @JeffDBarron