Princess Selah is the daughter of Garrett and Heather Write and has just finished her junior year at Sweet Home High School.
She attended Sweet Home Charter School, where her favorite teachers were Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Mitchel.
She has four siblings: Seth, 25; Corban, 23; Micah, 21; and Lydia 19.
Favorite Activities? Job?
I have been involved in Leadership for three years, served as a student body officer for two years, and have been in the National Honor Society for two years. I have played varsity basketball for two years and competed in varsity track for three. I have been involved in Future Farmers of America for three years and have served as an officer for our team each year.
I enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, going for hikes and tripping on my face, sledging/crashing, fishing, and hunting – even though I struggle pulling the trigger. On weekends you can find me on my family’s farm; I work my animals and spend most my time with them, and I help my mom with whatever task she needs.
Currently I work on my family farm; however, I would like to get a job working at the Lebanon auction yard.
What is your favorite thing about living in Sweet Home?
The environment and the land.
Why did you join the Sportsman’s Holiday Court?
My sister was on the court two years ago. She told me I should try it and shared memories she had. Seeing the connections and involvement in the community when she did it made me want to also have that connection.
What are you looking forward to during Sportsman’s Holiday? What have you enjoyed so far about being on the court?
I love the parades, even though I get tired of waving – my arm cramps – and smiling. The little kids love seeing us and their reactions to us are the cutest. Seeing them smiling and copying our wave and saying we’re so pretty and they want to be us gives you a good feeling on the inside, and when you smile and wave at them, they get so excited.
What charity/nonprofit did you choose to advocate for and why?
Linn County 4-H OSU Extension Office, because growing up I have been in 4-H and still am. Their mission is to empower young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them grow and thrive. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people develop the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.
If you had one day to show someone the best day ever in Sweet Home, what would that day look like?
I would start taking them to my favorite coffee shop and get a cup of ambition to start the day and, of course, a bagel and cream cheese for protein. I would then take them to Iron Mountain, where we would hike to the top and take in the view and eat lunch, which would be sandwiches packed and some snacks, and we would feed the little chubby chipmunks. Once we are done we would be hot, so we would go down to the river or the lake and cool off. After hanging at the lake, we would finish with dinner at the A&W drive-in and then drive up Marks Ridge to watch the sunset.
What advice would you give a younger “you” about school, friendships, other choices?
I would say remember to stay strong to who you are and your morals, and don’t be afraid to try new things and opportunities.
Do you have an adult figure who has inspired you? If so, who is that and why?
My favorite coach would be Nathan Whitfield; he has been my track coach for the past three years and has played a role as uncle in my life. He always gives me advice and pushes me to be the best I can be. He always shows up when I want to go throw at the track in summer even when it’s, like, 95 degrees out, and is always there when I just need someone to sit and talk to.
What is your favorite subject in school and what are your goals for your final year of high school?
History, because I like learning about our past and the people who helped make America the country it is.I like learning about the leaders and their impact and struggles that make us who we are.
Personal goals are to finish school with a 4.00, make it to track state championship and Nike Nationals, earn my American Future Farmers of America degree, and leave an impact on someone here at Sweet Home High School.