In the fall of 2001 the streets and subways of New York City will have a new exciting face standing out in the crowd. Another determined young man with wild blonde hair and burning blue eyes is making his way.

An individualist with “determination” imprinted across his brow takes the initiative to start the beginning of the rest of his life. What some would call a dreamer who has hold of his destination by the mere grip of its pants begins his destiny. And, a man heading nowhere but forward has the love and support of family and friends rested upon one shoulder and a video camera on the other. New York will feel this wrath, and only then will one know that the amazing filmmaker Sam Goetz has hit the big city.

Born and raised in Levittown by his loving mother Judith L. Goetz, Senior Sam Goetz (or Sammy G. as most refer to him as) grew up with the notions of ambition and imagination already set in his genes. Modest, as usual, Goetz defines his talent as dumb luck. But people, such as Miss Lisausky who appointed him president of the Art Club, think otherwise.

Visiting his father David Goetz, a sports director in California, for a month every summer first introduced Goetz into the world of film. His younger brother Mike, a freshman attending Carl Sandburg, has always been a source of material. And, the friends of Goetz, he admits play the role of a constant supply of undeniable love and laughter.

Yet, it was the wonderful support from his mother throughout these past few years that enabled Goetz to reach these goals he’s set.

Mrs. Goetz replied honorably that she is very proud of her son. “I give my mom the most credit for putting up with me.” Goetz says with a laugh. “You wouldn’t believe the insane things I have done to make a film or to get a good shot.”

Inspired by such directors as Stanley Kubrick or Quentin Tarantino, Goetz knew after his very first film what exactly his hopes had aspired him to be. A filmmaker.

When asked about his expectations of his work, Goetz gave the example of a perfect film. “Flawless, visual images that not only back up, but emphasize a profound point. Like Dr. Strangelove.” Goetz inquired. With not nly his talent to back him up, Goetz has a very impressive background of experience and diligence that shows what an all around extraordiary student he really is. With courses such as Advanced B&W Photography and Electronic Arts, Goetz has also attended Saturday film classes at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts and a summer film camp at the University of New York.

Along with his AP courses, Scholar and Academic awards, Honor Roll, and involvement in such clubs as The Greater Philadelphia, Goetz has ranked within the top ten students of his class all three years while attending the Neshaminy high school.

During all of this juggling with school, college, and side projects, Goetz has also held a job for a year and a half as a waiter at the Neshaminy hangout, The American Pub and Diner.

It is then no surprise why NYU, our nation’s biggest film school, didn’t even second-guess the idea of whether to accept Sam Goetz or not. In fact, they offered him a $12,000 scholarship for each year he attends. A tuition that would normally cost $35,000 per year.

On the idea of where he will be ten years from now, Goetz responded, “In debt probably. Still living in New York, residing in the bad parts of China Town, but (starving or not) I’ll still be making amazing films.”

Though, despite his own humbleness, even Goetz’s fellow classmates agree that he is an extremely unique person with all the intelligence and know-how to make it big in the real world.

“Sam has such a unique style. He’s so laid back and entertaining that it surprises you how smart he really is. He has been second in the class, yet this is the kid who you’ll see running down the hallway with pink hearts stapled all over his clothes for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.” Senior Laura Tosti said with a huge grin on her face.

Most friends and classmates, along with teachers, had an awkward time depicting Goetz’s character. The majority answered thunderstruck, “Sam?

He’s... Sam! There’s no way to describe him.” And those who know him best would understand.

Not only does Goetz feel stimulated by such role models as Woody Allen, but believes that his teachers have aided him in success as well. Advanced Photo

Teacher Mr. Robb, one of Goetz’s personal favorites, believes all of his students have the potential to amount to some greatness in their lives after high school, but comments that Sam Goetz is one he hopes to hear about on the radio or big screen. “He always seems to find interesting subjects in his photographs. (Always open for new things.) He’s able to take problems and resolve them into pleasing subject images.” Robb states.

Mr. White, Neshaminy’s Electronic Arts instructor, also describes Goetz as unique in many ways. He believes Goetz is very creative and an incredibly hard worker. “Sam puts in a lot of extra time.” White explains. “His concepts are always well thought-out. He never just walks into the room with a camera without any planned out ideas already in his head.”

When asked where he could imagine Sam Goetz being in ten years, White answered with a little hesitance at first. He found it difficult to narrow it down simply because of the unknown direction the media might take in the future.

Whether it’s the Internet, T.V., or if film has a comeback, White undeniably exclaimed, “Whatever it is, he’ll be there.”

On an ending note, Goetz wanted to leave some advice for the underclassmen. “The best education is not in a text book or from a specific class, but in experience itself. If you’re interested in pursuing the art of film, I would recommend taking Advanced Electronic Arts or photography. They have an enjoyable setup that will just beckon your creativity.”