This is the seventeenth story in Lancer Media’s 2015 Summer series: Most Likely to…

These feature stories highlight rising seniors who are becoming role models of Lancer Spirit.

What makes a model citizen?  Respect, compassion, integrity, and a sense of community.

Noah Garabedian possesses all of these qualities.

An exemplary student, athlete, and community leader, Noah Garabedian serves as a role model for the Linganore student body in everything he does.

“Noah’s optimism, leadership, and care to help makes him a person other people always want to be around and strive to be like,” said friend and fellow Young Life member Chris Brown.

Noah got involved in Young Life, a local church youth group, through his older brother Jack.  The two connected so well with the youth group’s members and leaders that they decided to volunteer to host the weekly meetings.  Noah and his family now hold the Young Life meeting at their home every Wednesday, and Noah has become a natural leader who sets the standard for other members by approaching every meeting and camp with a positive attitude.

He also serves his community by volunteering at several community service events through school, church, and honor societies.  Some of the projects he’s been involved with include UMCH Heroes, Teens 4 Tarte, cleaning up local playgrounds, and leading freshmen orientation at Linganore.

When he’s not busy volunteering, Noah enjoys swimming and playing lacrosse for the Lancers.

Noah was recognized for his role in the community by being selected as a VOID during Linganore’s Every 15 Minutes program in April.  He promoted awareness for the dangers of drunk driving by disappearing from class and refraining from contacting anyone for the next 24 hours to demonstrate what it would actually be like to lose such a prominent member of the community.

Noah reflects the outstanding attitude he brings to his community, school, and sports onto his everyday life as well.

“All people are good.  Sometimes they make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be treated kindly,” said Noah.  “It’s important to always have a positive attitude, no matter what, and to be nice to everyone, no matter who they are.”

After high school, Noah hopes to pursue a career in engineering.  He would also like to start a family.

“I hope to raise my kids with the same ideals my family raised me with.  I want to teach them to always have an attitude of forgiveness and respect, and to always be willing to help others.”