Meet Lifeguard Cynthia Steele

Next time you're at the Summit Family Aquatic Center be on the lookout for lifeguard Cynthia Steele.  This 2010 graduate from Summit High School has worked at the SFAC for four summers now.  She was even originally certified at the SFAC.

"I got certified her with Lauren (Slamon) and Maya (Williams)," said Steele. "We got certified by a lifeguard here who had become and instructor.  That was my first year here and then back in May I got recertified with Lauren at The Connection."

Working at the SFAC was a no-brainer for Steele.  She's been going to the pool "forever and ever and ever" and never even thought about working anywhere else.  She was certified with her best friend, and both got jobs there.  Being surrounded by her friends is a huge reason for liking her job at the SFAC.

"I really like the people who I work with," said Steele. "It's fun and I think it's the best opportunity to work in the summer.  I wouldn't want to be stuck inside.  I like working outside and I've swam for years.  I get to use the pool for free, so I guess that's good."

Of course, being a lifeguard is not always about the fun.  Steele had to make her first save this year.

"Earlier in the year there was a small girl who went off the diving board and couldn't swim," said Steele. "She was calling out 'Lifeguard! Lifeguard!' and I jumped in and got her."

This fall, Steele will be attending Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA.  At Lycoming she will double major in biology and education and minor in Spanish, and plans to eventually become a high school biology teacher.

"It's a pretty small school," said Steele. "It's a liberal arts school which is one of the main reasons I want to go there.  I like it because the campus is really, really nice.  You go from a city almost like New York City into a really nice area that's pretty quiet.  It's small and everything is pretty close, and I really like it."

Steele is also a singer.  She has been a member of her schools' choral groups since she was in fourth grade.  She will continue her involvement in college where she will sing in Lycoming's chorus, and receive credit for her time.

"I like when everyone comes together," said Steele. "I'm not really into the soloist thing, but I like when everyone comes together. We work so hard on all the harmonies and stuff so when it all comes together and we sound really good, I like that."

When she's not at the pool, Steele likes hanging out with her friends and boyfriend.  She has a twin brother, Eric, and while they don't have any supernatural twin powers, they get along well.  You might catch her eating brunch at Winberries, hanging out in the park with her friends, or entering in an ultimate Frisbee tournament.  She'll be taking a vacation down to Sea Isle City this summer for a week with her friends as well.

"I like living in Summit because it's not a big town so you can walk everywhere you want to go," said Steele. "There are a lot of people who live here, but they're all pretty friendly.  There are also a lot of parks nearby.  We have so much stuff to do in Summit!"

Stay tuned to Patch for more installments in the View From The Tower series, including a profile of Steele's best friend, Lauren Slamon.