Savannah Williams
District GPA: 8.56 State GPA: 3.7619
When did you find out you are your class valedictorian? How did you react?
I first found out that I was my class valedictorian at the end of my freshman year and I was surprised to say the least. I remember telling people and everyone telling me that it would change and deciding that it wouldn’t and that I was going to graduate at the top of my class. There were moments when it felt so far out of reach and when it was confirmed at my senior breakfast, I felt such a sense of pride in myself for actually doing it.
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
Something that I wish I had known about high school before entering as a freshman is that there are so many new experiences and things that feel like your whole world one moment, are usually just a small moment in your life. I look back on my own high school experience and remember moments when it felt like my whole world was ending but everything is temporary and sometimes bad things happen without a reason. I think that so often we tell ourselves that everything happens for a reason but accepting that that is not the case will make life so much more enjoyable. Break-ups don’t always lead to breakthroughs; failure doesn’t always open the door to success. Things will happen throughout life that don’t have a reason, but a person’s character is not defined by these moments, but rather how they respond to them and persevere. I would tell an incoming freshman that over these next four years and in life after, it is the little moments that will define your character.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory was when I was given the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City my junior year with my band program. Getting to travel with all my friends that I had grown up with over the three years leading up to the trip and knowing that it was our hard work that helped to get us there is something I will never forget. I know as I grow older, I will still reminisce and look back on that trip with extreme gratitude for having experienced every moment of it.
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
The most important lesson that I learned while in high school is that people are so much more than just the person that they are to you. We only see certain sides of people based on the relationship they have with us and sometimes seeing a new side of someone can feel like meeting someone new. My freshman year, I met a teacher who I watched with awe in the way they led their class and inspired students to believe in themselves. I could tell that this was the type of teacher who genuinely cared about her students. However, this wasn’t really my first time meeting this teacher. I’d actually known her my whole life. This teacher, known as Mrs. Dalton, is known to me as mom. I am forever grateful to have been able to experience and witness another side to her. Not only because it has taught me a valuable lesson about people, but because I take pride in her as now not only a mother, but an educator.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your favorite and why?
I participated in many extracurriculars while in high school. This year alone I am the Clarinet Section Leader of my band program, Vice President of my school’s National Honor Society, President of the Girls’ Interact club, Co-founder of the debate club, Secretary of the Science National Honor Society, Vice President of the PCHS book club, Letters for Rose club member, and Leo club member. In previous years I have been in the varsity swim team, varsity soccer team, environmental club, Raider buddies club, and Key club. I have volunteered over 200 hours, was a calendar girl at my school last year. I find excitement in trying new things and have enjoyed every activity I have participated in. However, my most cherished high school memories come from being a member of my high school’s Wind Ensemble. Music is something I truly value and I believe that the arts should be recognized as something that makes people so unique. The need to create and express is a quality that gives society culture and love. To me, being able to perform has not only allowed me to grow confidence in myself but has also helped me to find my own identity and convey emotions to others without any words, which is something special.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
After high school I plan to major in biomedical engineering. I want to get my doctorate degree and dedicate my life to working as a researcher. My passion in life is other people, I want to develop cures for diseases. My inspiration for this career path is my dad, Christopher Williams, who has always pushed me to be the best version of myself and has instilled in me a passion for science.
help them improve their grades?
I genuinely believe that the reason for my academic success is my willpower and my mindset. I am not exceptionally smart or gifted and there are many individuals in my class just as intelligent as myself; however, I believed that I could be Valedictorian, and I wanted it. For a student struggling to keep up their grades, I would give them the advice to change their mindset. If you believe that you’re a C student, you’ll never get an A. If you don’t have the desire for good grades, you’ll never get them. But if you decide to be great, then great things will come your way.
