Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a senior at Salisbury High School.

Q. Who is in your family? Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. I live with my mom Cheryl, my brother Lucas, my dog Lexi, my cat Belkie and I also have a fish.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. Although I struggled in chemistry it really allowed me to reevaluate my study habits and learn to be a self advocating student. Putting in more effort and work into this subject made my learning experience much more rewarding. The traits I developed through Chemistry I and Honors Chemistry II definitely helped me, and will continue to help me through my academic career.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have received the coaches award for cross-country two years in a row.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has COVID-19 impacted these activities?

A. I have run cross-country since I was in eighth grade. Throughout last summer, the status of the season was unknown due to COVID-19. However, thankfully, we were able to have a season. The season was shortened, as we did not have as many meets as previous years. We also were not able to have our normal home meet at the Parkway due to COVID-19, but I am still thankful I was able to have a senior night. In addition to cross-country, I am the stage manager for theater. Having rehearsals over Zoom is definitely different but everyone has been working very hard to make the best out of the situation. I have also been a part of Best Buddies at the high school since my sophomore year and I have definitely missed being able to see and interact with them during this time.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, I plan on attending the University of Tennessee. I am still not completely sure what I want to be, but I know I want to do something in health care and also hope to one day own my business on top of my career. So for now, I will be majoring in biology with a minor in marketing.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge has been trying to be more open and outgoing. When you first meet me, I can come off as very shy and quiet. I truly am a very outgoing person once you get to know me, but it is definitely challenging for me to be that outgoing from the beginning.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for my drive, whether that be my drive toward success or the drive I apply in other aspects of my life. I always strive to embrace those who are around me, doing so with my overall being. Ultimately, I just want to be remembered as someone who brought joy into the lives of others and I hope that if that is the case, that the joy they felt in my presence lives on.

Q. Who do you admire? Why?

A. I really admire my mom. She has worked so hard for everything she has provided for me and my brother. She has truly made me the driven and independent person I am today, and I could not imagine being the person I am without her influence. Anything she does, she gives it her all and has taught me to do the same thing. She has taught me to persevere through any challenge life throws my way, which has allowed me to grow so much as a person.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Live in the moment; don’t take any minute for granted. Make the most out of what is to come. High school honestly goes by so fast and when you leave make sure you don’t have any regrets in which you chose to spend those years. It’s important to keep up with your schoolwork, but don’t let that be all you remember about high school. Put yourself out there, open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities.