Senior Profile for Zachary Mercer

Parent/Guardian:
Zachary is the son of Lori Tapp & Anthony Mercer.

Plans after High School:
Zac has been accepted and will attend Johnson and Wales University to major in culinary arts. Zac hopes to one day own a bakery or café. Later, with a few years of experience under his belt, he’d like to have his own show on Food Network and build a culinary brand.

Personal/Scholastic Accomplishments:
Zac has and continues to be involved in student council, class officers, and FCCLA; he finds himself doing mass amounts of community service and organizing school events, programs, and student congregations. Zac was a member of the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band from his 8th grade through his junior years, and won many awards by participating in various competitions. During his senior year, Zac traded in his trombone to become Italy ISD’s first male cheerleader, where he and his squad won several awards during training camps.

Throughout his high school years, Zac has also participated in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) where he’s been involved in the teaching of his fellow peers about life out of high school and how to be prepared for it. As an FCCLA student competitor, he has enjoyed winning and advancing to state every year. In addition to his school and extra curricular activities, Zac has balanced keeping a job with everything else. He says it’s been hard at times, but he feels it has given him a real world experience that will give him an edge on his plan for his own successful life.

Influential Person:
“Paula Deen, my culinary idol and my inspiration for my passion for cooking is one influential person in my life. She grew up in a small country town like I have, and she built a culinary empire with many restaurants, businesses, cooking products, and Food Network shows. She is everything I want to be and more!”

Educator Appreciation:
“Vivian Moreland, my English teacher, my friend, and my in-school therapist taught me many things, not just in the English category, but life lessons in general. She offered me advice on how to comply with the life I have and the life I wish to achieve. I know that if I am having a troubling day, I can vent to her, and in just the 45 minute class period, she can change my point of view and my attitude for the better. I don’t know where I would be without Ms. Moreland, and I am grateful to have her as a teacher and as a friend.”

“Jennifer Eaglen, the queen of organization and the master of optimism has changed me in large ways and has provided me with a path for success!”

“Mrs. Bradley was cool too.”