One Bellefonte Area High School senior wears many hats in both her school and community. 

Ashleigh Aukerman is an active member of cross country and track and field, as well as outside school activities like youth group and her church’s softball team. After high school she will be attending Lock Haven University to become a Physician’s Assiant/Surgeon. She has been know as overall helpful member in the Bellefonte community and in the school district. She helps those around her, and does what she can to ensure a good in and out of school environment. 

Ashleigh particpates in many activities in and out of school, but she still spends time doing the things she likes.

“I love listening to music and playing the electric bass. I have fun hanging out with my friends and going to concerts with them. I love spending time with my family and watching movies with them and my friends,” she said. 

As she looks back on her last four years of high school she remembers the moments leading up to her big senior year.

“The Mountain Lion Classic my sophomore year in track because it was raining, was a good memory. As well as having really good friends my senior year.” 

Government teacher Mr. Edward Fitzgerald is very impressed by the way Ashleigh takes in what she is learning and her positive attitude towards education. 

“Every day she is present. She is a joy in class and shows a grasp of the material that is outstanding,” he said.

He believes that Ashleigh will go to far places in and outside of Bellefonte’s community as she moves on after graduation. 

“The question should be what impact will she not have on Bellefonte. I am sure we all will say we knew her when,” he said.

Senior Gabe Moyer, a good friend of Ashleigh, believes that she has made a large change in our school.

“Ashleigh has had a very positive impact on the school. She’s very social, and her positive mood and happy energy helps boost the mood of any room she is in. Along with that, she helps out with some school programs, and as you know is on the track and cross country teams, proudly representing Bellefonte on those respective teams,” he said. 

He also remembers a moment from the Homecoming dance and game, where he met a new friend and had a fun time with Ashleigh.

“My favorite memory with her would probably be the Homecoming football game and then Homecoming itself. We had a ton of fun on both nights and at the game she introduced me to somebody who would end up becoming one of my close friends.  Her, I, and our other friends danced and scream-sang all night and by the end if it we were all hurting, beet-red, and ready to go to bed. Not a night I’ll forget for a very long time,” Gabe said.

Senior Allister Cook has many memories with Ashleigh, but there is one that brings them all a laugh. 

“When me and her were playing a video game, another friend of ours, Gabe Moyer, fell through a deep hole, and his character died, but as he was falling, he screamed, ‘Oh my god!’ and me and Ashleigh laughed and laughed at that,” Allister said. 

He cherishes their friendship that they have kept, and believes she is a great friend to those around her.

“I’ve known her since kindergarten, and she may be a little crazy, but she is an incredible friend to everyone she meets,” Allister said.

Senior Trey Wagner has made many memories with Ashleigh, but would have to choose his two best nights he spent with her.

“It is hard to pick just one but it would be between when we got to spend a weekend together at Knoebels and Bloomsburg or Homecoming, which was one of the best nights that I can remember for a very very long time, it was so fun.” 

He also believes Ashleigh is a kind person and works hard for all that she has accomplished.

“Ashleigh has a very fun personality and she is very easy to talk to. She is always so sweet. And she is a harder worker than anyone that I know,” Trey said.

As Ashleigh gets closer to graduation she has advice for future students, and current students at Bellefonte, as she looks towards her future. 

“Be nice to everyone and find a good core group of friends. It doesn’t need to have 10 people, it could be 3 of your closest people. Surround yourself with good people who genuinely care about you.”