Congratulations to the Bishop England High School Class of 2021 Valedictorian and Salutatorian!

What are your post-graduation plans?  

After graduating from Bishop England, I will be joining the Class of 2025 at the University of Georgia. As a Dawg, I will be studying accounting with a minor in vocal music.  

What has been most helpful in achieving your success?  

Always focusing to do my best. It sounds very generic, but anytime I would think I was done completing an assignment or working out for lacrosse practice, I would ask myself was that it or should/could I do more? Most of the time, that double-checking of myself was what pushed me further.  

How has your faith grown and who has helped you in your faith journey?  

I’ve been an active Catholic since the cradle, but the people who surrounded me at Bishop England took away any fear or hesitation I had. From Mrs. Durst to Coach Garrett to Ms. Estrada, my theology teachers truly made me feel the most comfortable in my relationship with God. Now, I hope to join Campus Ministry at UGA.  

What has been your favorite thing about BE?   

My favorite thing is the relationships I’ve developed with some of my teachers. It is so much more exciting and enjoyable when there is a teacher who is not only willing and wanting to teach you but wants you to enjoy what you’re learning as well.  

What is a BE memory you’ll always remember?

Sophomore year, I was the only girl in the Tolkien and Lewis class filled with senior boys and one sophomore friend. It was Mrs. Durst’s final semester teaching, so at the end of the year we drank tea every day (originally it was “Tea Tuesday”) and watched both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen? 

No matter what you do, don’t judge yourself based on any of your classmates. Everyone is completely different, and you will only be content with yourself and your life if you understand that.  

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What are your post-graduation plans?  

I plan on attending Clemson University and majoring in economics with a minor in political science. From there, I plan on attending Law School to receive my Juris Doctorate. 

What has been most helpful in achieving your success?  

I think time management would probably be the biggest thing that has helped me achieve my success. I learned it from a very young age when I took classes that required a significant amount of out-of-the-classroom work. Managing my time effectively as well as learning how to study in an efficient way for me has helped me tremendously. 

How has your faith grown and who has helped you in your faith journey?

My faith has grown significantly since I was younger. Even in 8^th grade when we professed our promise to stay Catholic, I didn’t understand my faith fully. But BE, specifically Ms. Estrada, has helped me to grow in and love my faith for what it is, an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. 

What has been your favorite thing about BE? 

My favorite thing about BE has been the overwhelmingly helpful teachers. Whenever I need something or have a question, they are often the first people I turn to, and I appreciate that more than anything else. 

What is a BE memory you’ll always remember?

I will always remember my first performance as the lead in the musical, Annie. Not only was it the first time I’d ever sung alone in front of a major audience, but it was the first time I’d had a major role a musical. The adrenaline and rush of performing combined with the crowd is an experience that I will never forget.  

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen? 

I would tell incoming freshmen not to be scared of the new experiences. High school is filled with newness for a lot of reasons, but they ought to not be afraid to embrace the change or to meet new people. Take a step out of your comfort zone to meet new people on your first day, and you will already be on your way to making life-long friendships.