by Chase Bryer
Growing up, Lauren Szmutko had a passion for fashion like the main character in her favorite book, “The Devil Wears Prada.”
But as Szmutko grew older, she realized she had a passion for journalism.
The 15-year-old sophomore at Bartlesville High School is active with the school newspaper, student council, National Honor Society, band, Spanish club and high school leadership club. Her favorite subject is English because it goes hand-in-hand with the art of journalism.
Szmutko thinks her age sets her apart at OIDJ.
“Coming into OIDJ [as the youngest], I was a little bit nervous at first,” she said. “But then I realized that everyone also was and that we were all here for the same reason.”
Szmutko was born in Orange, Texas, where she survived four hurricanes – Lily, Rita, Humberto and Ike.
Joining hurricanes on Szmutko’s list of things she hates is corduroy.
“It’s creepy,” she said. “I feel like something should come crawling out of the fabric!”
As a toddler with curly hair and a hobby of dance, Szmutko was convinced that she was Shirley Temple. That was short-lived. But Temple remainsone of Szmutko’s biggest role models because unlike many child stars, Templedidn’t allow the fame to get to her head.
When Szmutko isn’t busy working as an editor for her school newspaper, she enjoys practicing piano, clarinet and ballet.
“I love that dancing has always been a constant in my life,” she said. “I’ve been dancing since I was 3 and have enjoyed every minute. It has grown to be what keeps me sane.”
