Austin Smith

As a member of Generation Z, you might expect recent Think the Vote debate winner Austin Smith’s musical tastes to reflect what’s popular today. But you would be wrong. 

“I’m huge on metal and grunge music,” said Austin, who is expected to graduate from Newark Valley High School in Newark Valley, NY, this year. “I also listen to a lot of 50s and 60s big band music.” 

Austin’s musical preferences range from Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, and Ella James to Tool, Metallica, and Disturbed, with bands like Rush and Pearl Jam also thrown in for good measure. Austin also plays guitar as part of his passion for music, and “I’m a massive fan of being connected with nature,” he said. “I love to go hunting and explore new land. I also hunt and fish.” 

Austin is a member of the National Honor Society at Newark Valley and plays tennis. His favorite classes include calculus, law, and government.