“Hope is very hard to come by, which is why we must spread it to others!” advised Sean O’Neil. “Give hope, give light, and give love.”
Anyone who meets Sean O’Neil knows that he can brighten a room as soon as he walks in. He has a heart for those around him and desires to do everything he can to make their lives amazing and happy.
“I love helping others!” exclaimed Sean. “Whether it be with physical labor or just someone to talk to, if I can make someone smile and give them hope, it means that I am making a positive impact in this world. That is something I wouldn’t trade for anything!”
At sixteen years old, Sean is already a very hard worker. He loves being able to meet new people while serving them at his job. Thanks to his current job, he has determined what he would like to be when he is older.
“I was adopted by my parents, Eric and Sandra O’Neil. I have one brother and one sister,” stated Sean. “I’ve worked the front at the Railroad Bakery since I was nine-years-old. Naturally, my charm and people skills have benefited greatly from my work selling doughnuts to a surprisingly health-conscious county! I absolutely loved the people and talking to and getting to know them. Working with others has actually taught me a lot about myself, including recognizing that I long to be a therapist so that I can help others!”
Sean easily identified what the hardest part of his job at the bakery is: waking up.
“One of the more difficult aspects of working at the bakery is the hour in which you have to get up,” said Sean. “A lot of people don’t recognize that we make everything by hand and that very few machines are used. To make doughnuts, you have to get up at two to three a.m. Luckily, I was spared this fate; I only get up at around four!”
Sean is very outgoing and participates in as many extracurricular activities as he can at school. He is one of the students that his teachers would love to have more of in the classroom thanks to his genuine enthusiasm. He is a natural born leader and takes on a variety of leadership roles while making those around him smile.
“I am a junior at Quitman High School where we just don’t quit man. I love it there!” stated Sean. “I am currently enrolled in the chorus, drama club, quiz bowl team, FBLA, speech and debate team, and more that I just can’t think of off the tip of my head. I am the vice president for FBLA, the president for QHS drama club, and an active member of tri M, the musical organization in the high school. I am also on the leadership council of our Clarke County 4-H, and I am a proud member of our school’s broadcasting team where you can see me on the Panther News or announcing at a soccer game; the CCCTC’s broadcasting program does it all!”
School has played an important role in Sean’s life. In fact, his greatest memories involve the school.
“My favorite memory was my first day at Quitman High School!” recalled Sean. “I transferred from a private school in Toxey, Alabama—South Choctaw Academy—so coming to QHS was quite the change. What a wonderful change it turned out to be! I was terribly nervous, as you might guess, but I made fast friends with people my age, and it still stands to this day. For me, coming to this new school was a chance to branch out and find out who I am and what I long to be. I did—and am still doing—exactly that.”
During his first year at Quitman, Sean really came out of his shell and allowed others to see his wonderful personality. One of the things he discovered that he had an amazing talent for was drama. Now, Sean has actively participated in multiple plays and even held lead roles in some very prominent plays in Meridian.
“I love to sing and act! You can catch me in plays at the Meridian Little Theatre for a play in Meridian’s local theatre troupe, Stage 2,” expressed Sean. “Acting is my passion! I love the joy and laughter spread to those by being on stage. I have made many connections by being in plays. I love making new friends and new connections.”
He has played roles in plays from the local level at the school to major productions at the Meridian Little Theatre.
“I was in Newsies, and I played Seitz (news editor), Tommy Boy (a newsie), a Flushing Newsie, the Stage Manager for Miss Medda Larkin, and a goon,” stated Sean. “I was in Willy Wonka where I played Grandpa Jo, Charley’s grandfather! I’m in Sound of Music right now where I’m a party guest and a Nazi. I was Sam the Clown in one of Ms. Hines’ plays.”
He is an amazing actor, and one of his teachers at the high school has been thrilled to be able to witness his growth over the years.
“Sean is one of the most kind, talented, non-judgmental people that I have had the pleasure to work with. I watched him grow from a very early age and have seen him blossom over the past few years,” explained Ms. Elizabeth Hines. “He never meets a stranger and has a kind word for everyone he meets. As his theatre teacher, I have helped him discover his natural talent and become a force to be reckoned with on the stage. He has a charismatic attitude and will go far in the entertainment industry. No matter what he is doing, if he has an audience, you can guarantee that you are in for a show you will never forget.”
When he is not busy standing out on stage, Sean loves to spend his time volunteering wherever he can.
“Sharing light to others is one of life’s greatest joys. I volunteer at the local library any chance I get. My aunt Barb is amazing, and I love helping out there! I also do volunteer work for 4-H and FBLA,” said Sean.
He also enjoys attending his local church and participating in as much as he can there.
“I attend a small country church called Manassa,” said Sean. “It’s nothing really special or grand, but it is rich with history. Church isn’t just about location but also about motivation. If your heart is in the right place, then it doesn’t matter where you are; God is with you. I am actually a member of that church and an active member of the choir there.”
Naturally, the pandemic has made changes that Sean has readily adjusted too. He has remained his usual enthusiastic self throughout everything and wants nothing more than to be able to encourage the citizens of Clarke County to continue on and spread love and happiness all around.
“During this time, I encourage you to reach out—maybe to a relative you’ve lost contact with or to a loved one. Whoever it may be, we all have someone that we have lost contact with, and times are hard right now. You have no idea the impact a few kind words can have on someone. They could change the trajectory of someone’s day, week, or even year completely! Just because we are social distancing and being by ourselves physically does not mean we should disregard others all together. You have the potential to spread positivity and light, so don’t let that potential go to waste,” encouraged Sean. “I just want folks to know that no matter what is going on today, there will always be a tomorrow. Your story doesn’t end here, and there is so much more to your narrative that you’ve yet to discover. You are all kind, smart, and strong individuals. The members of Clarke County are hardy people. We persevere, and no matter what comes our way, we will get through it!”
