Mitch Lyon served as the Class of 2026’s President during the 2024-2025 school year. This year, having been re-elected, he will now serve as Senior Class President, a role that he says carries much more weight.
“Senior year is more exciting, and there’s more decisions to be made, [it’s] a lot more responsibility,” he explained.
As an IB student, Lyon has a packed schedule that is made even more busy with his presidential duties. He tries to stay disciplined when it comes to managing his time, making sure everything is done when it needs to be. When stressed, he goes to the gym and plays the guitar to decompress. “It’s what keeps me sane.”
However, he doesn’t shy away from the added pressure of being president, with big plans for the upcoming Homecoming Hallways. “I think we’re going to do pretty well. We’ve got a good theme going on here.”
For students who are scared to get involved, Lyon encourages them to jump into it. “There is a position for you, no matter what you’re interested in, or talented at. Class office requires a broad spectrum of talents and knowledge, so you should never think you shouldn’t join.”
Senior year is a significant milestone within a high school career, and Lyon is ready for a new year with a different set of officers and more opportunities. He is excited for events such as Homecoming, Prom, and his speech at graduation.
Class office is not where his involvement at school ends. In fact, he is a participant in multiple aspects of student life at Princess Anne. He is starting his second year as a staffer for Princess Anne Leadership Workshop, the co-founder of the Fishing Club, and was a former rower on the Crew team.
As an avid competitor, Lyon has run the Shamrock Half Marathon and is planning to do it again this year. In addition, he has participated in multiple triathlons and is training for another one currently in hopes of competing in an Ironman, the premier long-distance triathlon, sometime in the future. This year, he placed second in his age division at the Outer Banks Triathlon, an accomplishment that demonstrates his dedication.
After graduation, Lyon plans to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy to pursue a career as a harbor pilot, and he hopes to return to Virginia Beach. He sees all aspects of his life as a step toward the future. “Everyday I think of the person I want to become when I’m older, and that motivates me to keep working hard so that I’ll be able to live the life I want.”
