In which extracurricular activities have you participated?
I am a member of eleven clubs/teams - Students Against Destructive Decisions, Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, Academic Bowl, Ping Pong Club, HOSA, Multicultural Appreciation Club, National Beta Club, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Mathematics Club and Foreign Language Club. I am the co-president of HOSA and Multicultural Appreciation Club and an officer in Beta Club and SGA. I attended the 2022 Georgia HOSA Fall Leadership Conference in Athens, participated in the HOSA Leadership Basic Training at the FFA-FCCLA Center, and competed at the regional level for Academic Bowl and Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. After completing the healthcare pathway at LHS, I was accepted as an intern at Piedmont Walton Hospital. While in their Labor and Delivery Department, I scrubbed in for two cesarean sections.

Additionally, I consistently volunteer through Beta Club and National Honor Society as well as at Master's Touch Recreational Riding. Furthermore, my foreign language club went on excursion trips to Brazil and Panama. I had the opportunity to visit a foreign language school where I enhanced my speech in Spanish and Portuguese while also helping the students improve their English. In addition to my extracurricular activities, I work part-time at Chick-fil-A Loganville as a team trainer.

What awards/honors have you received?

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year college and partake in research and international studies. My goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon and later work for Doctors Without Borders.

What college do you plan to attend?
Johns Hopkins University (Committed)

I plan to dual major in Biology (Molecular and Cellular) and Chemistry, with a minor in Spanish.
 
What scholarships have you been offered?
Thus far, I have been offered scholarships by Johns Hopkins University (Full-Ride), New York University, and Georgia Tech alongside acceptances. Furthermore, I am a recipient of Chick-fil-A's Remarkable Futures Scholarship. Additionally, I qualify for both the Hope and Zelle Miller scholarships and have been awarded the Federal Pell Grant.

Which teacher has made the biggest impact on your life and how?
Ms. Tonya Pohlel of Loganville High School is one of a few teachers during my academic career to make a significant impact on my life. During my junior year, I submitted an application to take AP English Language but the class was filled. However, I am not known for easily giving up so I emailed the teacher, Ms. Pohlel, and pleaded my case. Fortunately, a student withdrew from the course and I replaced them. From that moment forward, my life changed. Ms. Pohlel is an outstanding teacher and role model for students. She is well-versed in numerous areas and never fails to instill some new knowledge during our conversations. Additionally, her classroom is a refuge at Loganville High School. Ms. Pohlel is the best at comforting students, offering advice, or simply having an intellectual conversation. I am unaware of a single soul that does not absolutely love and respect Ms. Pohlel. She is just that amazing! I wish every student could have a teacher like Ms. Pohlel at least once in their lifetime.

What is the best advice you could give to underclassmen?
Pursue the things you love first. Motivation and success are abundant when things hold great meaning to you, and you are willing to go above and beyond.

What do you want people to know about the school district? #whywalton

Walton County School District is a success center. It is an environment filled with people who all have one main goal: to see countless children succeed and move on to greater things in life. There are remarkable opportunities available and support is infinite. I am eternally grateful to finish my high school journey at a Walton County school. It built the foundation for my bright future.