Montana Cheney — Change Agent

Welcome to Salem Patch Whiz Kids, where each week we highlight the accomplishments of inspiring youth in the City. 

Montana Cheney of Lynn, 18, didn't complete high school but passed her GED and is a first-year student at North Shore Community College.

This accomplished young woman is a familiar face in the Witch City — a volunteer at one of the City's favorite ice cream shops. She was spotted volunteering at .

She plans to become a nurse or veterinarian and is always looking out for people and dogs.

Salem Patch asked Cheney a few questions over Facebook. Here is what she had to say.

Salem Patch: How did you end up volunteering at Ben & Jerry's? Do you volunteer a lot?

Montana Cheney: I walked in there to fill out an application and the owner asked if I would volunteer. I also have volunteered a few times at the second chance thrift store when I was attending GED classes.

SP: What would you like to do when you finish college? 

MC: I want to become a nurse or vet and own a bakery when I retire because I really enjoy baking and creating new things.

SP: Who is your role model?

MC: My mother and grandmother.

SP: How did you end up with the name Montana?

MC: My mother thought it would be different and it is. I've never met anyone with the same name.

SP: What's your favorite thing to do when you have a free moment?

MC: I play with my dog every day. I enjoy video games a lot, so I like to play them when I'm not busy. I read any Twilight book — I'm very fond of them — and I bake many different things, whether it's cake , brownies, pies or cookies.

SP: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? How about to live?

MC: Somewhere tropical. Maybe Aruba, Australia, Florida, or Texas. I always want to live in America though.

SP: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

MC: Strawberry.

SP: Any advice you could give to high school kids nervous about going to college?

MC: Don't worry about it. Just have a positive attitude that you can achieve and survive anything. 

SP: If you had to give something up, what would it be?

MC: [I would give] money for people in need.

SP: If you had one wish from a genie, what would it be?

MC: I would wish for world hunger to be gone.

Know of a great kid who deserves recognition? Contact Salem Patch Editor Aubry Bracco at aubry@patch.com.