Town of Webb senior, Mercedes Rice, 17, moved to Inlet from Syracuse in the fourth grade. “My family always camped up here, and we all loved the area,” she said. “We decided to make a change and move here permanently.”
In the fall, Mercedes plans to attend Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to major in Criminal Justice.
After receiving her associates degree, she hopes to enroll at LeMoyne College to major in Pre-Law.
“There’s so much to Criminal Justice; it never gets old. That’s why I am choosing it for a career path. It’s always interesting.” she said.
Mercedes participates in a number of sports, including softball, soccer, cross-country running and her favorite, basketball.
Mercedes’ favorite class is Sociology with Mr. Kinney, because she learns so much about the economy, she said.
Her favorite teacher is Mr. Cunningham. “He always explains everything so well and will help you with anything, even if it’s not school related,” she said.
“He’s helped me with scholarships and so much more this year,” she said.
Mercedes said she has enjoyed playing saxophone in the school band but couldn’t make time for it this year.
And though she is a member of chorus, she avoids the musicals.
“I can’t perform in front of all the people, I have stage fright,” she said.
When she’s not busy with school, she enjoys hanging out with friends.
Mercedes also loves to be outdoors.
“I love to hunt, fish and water ski, and just to be out on the boat,” she said.
Mercedes has worked at Kinney Drugs in Old Forge as a Pharmacist Assistant, since spring of last year.
“I like talking with the customers that come in; it’s a fun job,” she said.
She likes it so much, that she is looking to transfer to another pharmacy close to MVCC, so she can continue when she leaves Old Forge.
Mercedes’ parents are Shawn and Debbie Rice, Debbie being the manager of Limekiln Lake Campground in Inlet.
Mercedes’ younger sister Madison, 16, also attends the Town of Webb School. Her older brother Trevor, 20, is studying Culinary Arts at MVCC. Another brother, Tyler, 24, works in Syracuse.
Her grandmother, who passed away in 2006, influenced her most, she said. “She taught me I can do whatever I want to do in life, and to follow my dreams.”
Mercedes said she’s going to miss Old Forge. She has a lot of friends in lower grades, and they’re all very close. And she will miss her two dogs.
“But there is life outside Old Forge, too,” she concluded.