Tom Riley is known throughout Lancaster Catholic High School as a "Renaissance kid," and there is ample evidence to support that moniker.

He takes advanced academic courses and is involved in music, school politics, clubs and sports.

And he balances it all with a sense of humor, recalling that even as a youngster he had a unique career goal in mind.

"I wanted to be an ice cream man," the 17-year-old senior said, adding with a laugh that his plans changed at some point.

"I know I want to go to college," he said, "but I'm not sure where, and I don't have a major in mind at this point. I have an interest in all subjects."

The treasurer of his high school's National Honor Society chapter, Riley is ranked second in his class. He said he is not concerned about his grade-point average as long as he remains interested in his course work, which includes several honors and advanced-placement courses.

"As long as I'm enjoying them, then the grades don't matter as much to me," Riley said.

The teen has used his book smarts to participate on the high school's quiz bowl and mock trial teams.

Riley serves as an ambassador during public open houses at the high school. He is the vice president of Lancaster Catholic's student council, helping to co-ordinate a poinsettia distribution for the high school's faculty during the holidays. He is a member of the school's Respect Life Club.

"We hold 'Pro-Life T-Shirt Days' and we schedule a food drive each Thanksgiving," Riley said. "We have also attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C."

He has volunteered at the Elizabethtown Public Library, where he has conducted summer theater workshops for children. He has a long theatrical résumé that includes the roles of Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast" and Mr. Webb in "Our Town."

Riley sings with the high school's concert and Mass choirs. He also has played the trumpet since third grade.

"I picked that instrument because I liked the book "The Trumpet of the Swan" by E.B. White, and the swan could play the trumpet," Riley recalled, adding that he has used his musical talents in several school organizations. "I play in marching band, concert band, jazz band and brass ensemble."

For the Crusader marching band this year, he was section leader for the trumpet section and also served as student director.

Athletic as well, Riley is a member of the Crusaders' tennis team, for which he plays singles and doubles matches.

The teen also is well-traveled, enjoying excursions ranging from an African safari in Tanzania to beach trips to Stone Harbor, N.J. He visited England and France as a middle school student, and prior to his sophomore year he qualified for a trip to China through the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

"I really enjoyed seeing the Chinese culture," he said. "I got to visit Beijing, Xi'an National Park and Shanghai. The Chinese kept pointing at our shoes, noticing our big feet!"

Riley is the son of Tom and Deb Riley of Elizabethtown, and he has a younger brother, Josh. He is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Elizabethtown.