Hidden behind the shy exterior of Westbrook student Patrick Weis, 8th, is a model student who not only upholds Westbrook’s ideals of responsibility and respect, but is known by his teachers and peers as being a great graphics designer.
   Weis uses his computer skills to convert graphics into art.
   "I have a different view of the world, therefore what I create is different from others," he explained.
   Mr. Jamie Presley teaches Weis in his 3D art class.
   “He pulls in a lot of outside sources. He’s got a great eye of using the aspect of design," Presley said.
   Fellow art student Hunter Haddock, 8th, called Weis's work creative.
   Weis favors designs that have a clean geometric approach.
   “It’s because of the symmetry," Weis said. "I think it’s because I like things even.”
   Weis’ use of symmetry can be seen in his work outside of art class. Mrs. Marilyn Othon, tech ed, said Weis's design work is  “very clean and direct and that is all very important in aspects of design.” She is optimistic about Weis's future in the design world. “I can definitely see him as a graphic designer,” she added.
   Mrs. Othon praised Weis's interpersonal skills as well his graphic sense.
   "He is a very respectful person," she said. "He will do just about anything for another person."
   Mrs. Patricia Clemons, math, said Weis is a "really good student, and he works very hard."
   Presley is impressed because Weis is focused and deliberate when it comes to his art projects. Mrs. Michelle Gilliand, careers and computer teacher, said Weis "just takes the iniative to figure things out by himself before asking."
   Being an independent learner does not mean Weis is isolated in the class, however.
   Ashton Holmes, 8th, said Weis was "nice and helpful" in their tech ed class, and that working with him was really fun.
   Weis, who said he feels uncomfortable talking about himself, said he always just tried to work hard and treat others with respect. His personal code of ethics has gained him the respect of his peers and the adults who work with him every day.