Samantha Plott

Surrounded by highly supportive individuals in the form of her mom and dad, giving is something that goes both ways for Samantha Plott, which is reflected by her volunteerism.
“My mom really pushes me to be involved in stuff and to give my best, and she’s always there for me to lift me up if I’m down,” Plott said. “And my dad helps me with everything, like anything I need help with, he’ll help me.”
Plott, 17, was nominated as a Tribune Chronicle 2024 Twenty Under 20 recipient by Susan Lenhart, a teacher at Champion Local Schools. The program is co-sponsored by Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley and AVI Foodsystems.
Lenhart noted one of Plott’s passions is encouraging and inspiring younger students.
“As a member of Champion Teens Care and Interact Club, Samantha has engaged elementary students with lessons and activities that promote science, improve our environment and share an overall joy of learning,” Lenhart said.
“During the summer, Samantha has been a Camp Invention mentor and has inspired students to foster creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving skills,” Lenhart added.
Academically, Plott’s coursework includes advanced placement, College Credit-Plus and honors classes. Across her classes, which include College Trigonometry at Youngstown State University and American Sign Language 1 and 2 at the former Eastern Gateway Community College, Plott has maintained a 3.9 GPA, placing her near the top of a senior class boasting 101 students.
And Plott’s strengths go beyond engaging youth in creative ways and her academics.
In her nomination letter, Lenhart noted Plott’s role as a “valued member” of the Champion High School soccer team for the last four years, lettering for three of those years as she helped her team achieve the school’s first-ever undefeated regular season in 2023. The school was district champ and regional runner-up in 2023, too, with her help.
Those efforts led Plott to being selected as captain by her coach because of her team building, guidance and direction on and off the field.
Plott also helps with other athletics, working at track meets to clock times, encouraging runners and working the concession stands.
“Her responsibility and honesty is highly valued by adults and peers as she keeps the integrity of the racers’ times and money management,” Lenhart said.
Despite having a plethora of responsibilities that would make many crumble from the stress and pressure for success, Plott said focusing on the positives helps her push through.
“I kind of look for the positive things or like the overall positives that will come out of every situation. And I just know I’ll make it through it and know my family supports me through everything,” Plott said.