Reese Bowen has been described as a determined and motivated individual who is kind and compassionate to others. His primary interests are in music and business, and he’s still exploring his career choices.

Bowen’s involvement with music began in sixth grade, when he started to learn the clarinet. He later began to play the saxophone and became involved with the advanced and jazz bands at Peninsula High School. He also plays the guitar and has considered performing professionally.

Bowen sees himself as discovering his style.

“Music is a great way to escape,” he said. “When life gets hectic, especially in leadership positions, it’s a passion I can fall back on and resort to.”

Bowen has dedicated three years of high school to the student newspaper, The Outlook. Currently the editor-in-chief, he has served as the paper’s business manager and health and wellness editor.

“It started off with a friend taking it, and I noticed his writing skills got better real fast,” Bowen said. “I took it and loved it; it became my favorite class.”

As a leader, he said trying to meet everyone’s needs is challenging, especially since there are diverse opinions among the all-student staff.

“It’s also one of the greatest things for me, listening to what everyone wants,” he said. “In a way, it teaches me, too — as a leader, you have to know how to follow.”

Bowen’s teachers say he has a mature work ethic and is efficient at managing his priorities.

“Through positions of leadership, (like) editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and collaboration with peers and teachers, Reese demonstrates a clear understanding of his connection to the larger world and his role in making it a better place,” said Kimberly Napier, a PHS English teacher.

Bowen has pursued a variety of interests, including DECA and ASB, for which he serves as treasurer. Last year, he helped start a French club at the school. While he said the club didn’t take off, it inspired a group of eight juniors and seniors to organize a 10-day trip to France this year during spring break.

“Mr. Bowen’s commitment to family, peers and community, along with his global perspective and his earnest desire for excellence, has provided a solid foundation of responsible integrity,” Napier said.

“Reese applies a mature work ethic and reveals an astute perception of himself and his peers.”

Reese Bowen

Category: Business and

Entrepreneurs

Education: Senior,

Peninsula High School

GPA: 3.6

Parents: Bret and Denneace Bowen Activities and achievements: DECA; Outlook business manager and health and wellness editor, editor-in-chief; ASB treasurer; band vice president and section leader; Honor Society; student leadership class

Favorite teacher: Joel Epstein, math, “because he had the ability to draw the students’ attention on his teaching.”

Best thing about high school: “(It) shows a diversity that many others don’t have but simultaneously an acceptance for one another.”