Timothy Lewis’s time at MSMS tells a story of chemistry, puns and politics.

You can find the Hattiesburg native and National Merit Semifinalist in his room cracking jokes with friends and getting the latest gossip of the day. When he’s not joking with friends, he’s either playing video games or working on chemistry homework from his favorite teacher, Dr. Morgan.

“My favoite class here [has been] AP Chemistry because I really like chemistry, and I love Dr. Morgan. It always kept me on my toes.”

Lewis did not shy away in picking classes this year. Along with Organic and Analytical Chemistry, Lewis is also in Stats II and Calculus II. He’s also taken a broad array of humanities classes, including University Western Civilization, Government and 60’s.

Like most other National Merit Semifinalists, Lewis did not have a particular study method for the standardized test. He stated that he took practice tests every year at his old high school.

Lewis is hoping to get into Vanderbilt University and attend college there in the fall. He plans on majoring in chemistry. After his undergraduate studies, he plans on getting his masters in chemistry and going into the research field analyzing energetic nitrogen compounds.

Throughout his time at MSMS, Lewis has done research on the campus of MSU.

“I worked in an MSU organometallic catalysis lab where we designed palladium-based catalysts. Having this opportunity in the lab has helped me decide on future plans of becoming a researcher.”

One of the most memorable things about Lewis is his constant joking. In fact, last year in Ms. Heintz’s University United States History, students had to limit him to two puns a class period.

Lewis also deeply enjoys speaking on politics and social issues. Lewis is a proud socialist and often voices his political views inside and outside the classroom.

“I see a lot of racism and prejudice back at home, and even at MSMS there are still students who hold problematic views; Trump’s election and policies were what pushed me to the edge of changing my ideology.”

Lewis’s peers commented on some of the most memorable things about him.

“Timothy is one of the most interesting characters at MSMS. He is funny, has quick wit and always speaks his mind,” commented fellow journalist Davan Reece.

“Timothy is a great person to work with, but only after getting past his constant I-hate-you facial expression. I can’t think of a better person to sit across from in English,” said fellow Vision editor Helen Peng.

Lewis gave a few departing words to the peers he’s spent his final year at MSMS with. “To the class of 2019, don’t get depressed if you don’t get into your dream school because you’re still smart and appreciated. To the class of 2020, don’t worry too much about standardized tests and instead focus on extracurriculars you really care about.”