Hope Storter:
GPA: 9.74
When did you find out you are your class valedictorian? How did you react?
I first found out that I was number one in my class halfway through my freshman year when I was signing up for Hillsborough Community College. It was then that I decided that I wanted to be the valedictorian of my graduating class. So from that point on, I worked my tail off taking as many classes as I could to achieve that goal, and a little after winter break and our GPAs were sealed, I found out that I was officially the valedictorian, and I was ecstatic about my dream coming true.
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
I wish I knew that things would get difficult, and things would get overwhelming, but that I would always persevere through all of it. There were times in my workload, especially my junior year, where I felt so over my head like there was no way out. But taking a second to breathe, step back, and look at the big picture was all it took to start to chisel away at what needed to be done.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memories are from my time in FFA with the people who matter the most to me. Whether constantly laughing together, line dancing, having late night parking lot conversations, or even just taking the constant “Hope” and “Shorter” jokes, it is these moments that mean so much to me. And yes, the victories and moments when the hard work all paid off were incredible, but what I will cherish so much more are the memories and the people that got us there.
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
The most important lesson I learned in high school is to always remember the impact you can have on others. One of my top priorities is to make sure everyone feels welcome and like they belong, no matter the situation. This led me to form friendships and connections with underclassman over the past several years that I cherish deeply. However it was the dad of one of these students who came over to me during an event who truly made this lesson hit home. He thanked me for being a great role model for his daughter, and said he was so grateful that she had someone like me to look up to. This truly made me realize that if I could make that type of impact without much conscious effort, I was in a position to make my mark on those around me.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your favorite and why?
I have been involved in many extracurricular activities in high school, including FFA, thater, -International Thespian Honor Society, the Leo Club, National Honor Society, American Sign Language Honor Society, Show Choir, pageants, founding the Planting Passion Agriculture Education Elementary Program, and serving First Baptist Church of Plant City on the youth worship team and the youth lead team. My favorites were most definitely FFA and theater. FFA opened so many doors for me and gave me a foundation in leadership, tenacity, and confidence I never would have had otherwise. Theater was also an incredible extracurricular to be a part of. This year, I had the opportunity to play Gretchen in a tri-school musical production of Mean Girls, and I am so grateful for that experience. I grew in ways I never thought I could, and I got to work with some incredible people whose friendships I will cherish forever.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
After high school, I will be serving Florida FFA, as either the state president or state secretary, which I will find out in June. Following my year of service, I will be attending the University of Florida to earn a Bachelors Degree in English on a pre-law track. Following that, I plan to attend the University of Florida’s law school in order to become a criminal prosecuting attorney the State of Florida.
What advice would you give students to help them improve their grades?
My advice is that it is never too late. Only you can change your circumstances, and it takes putting in the effort to better yourself in order to reach a goal, such as improving your grades. You are never too far gone, and you can always turn your circumstances around.