Gray Beach has been named valedictorian for Chattooga High School’s class of 2021.
Graduation ceremonies will take place Friday, May 28th at 8pm at the Little Big Horn Stadium.
AllOnGeorgia conducted a Q and A with Beach asking him 20 questions.
Question #1: What are your plans after high school?
Answer: I will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall, and I will be in the UGA Honors Program. I plan to major in Cellular Biology.
Question #2: Which extracurriculars, clubs, sports, have you been a part of?
A: I have been a part of 4-H, HOSA, FCA, Tennis, BETA Club, and Indian Lore.
Question #3: How do you want to be remembered from high school?
A: I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard and achieved the goals that they set for themselves. I also want to be remembered as someone who was always kind to others and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Question #4: Favorite Class / Favorite teacher (does not have to be high school)
A: My favorite class was Honors Geometry with Ms. Liza Morgan, who was also my favorite teacher. I love math, and I also love patterns and puzzles. Geometry has certain patterns and puzzles that involve math.
Question #5: Where did you attend elementary/middle school?
A: Lyerly Elementary School
Question #6: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In ten years, I see myself either being almost finished with medical school or finished with medical school and training to be a doctor.
Question #7: Will you be involved with 4-H in college?
A: Yes. UGA has a collegiate 4-H program, and I plan to be actively involved.
Question #8: Which class was the most threatening to your valedictorian status or was most challenging?
A: The most challenging class I ever had was Dual Enrollment English. English is not my favorite subject, and Mrs. Appelbaum’s class required hard work and dedication. However, this class made me a better writer, and I learned many valuable life skills. Despite the difficulty, Mrs. Appelbaum was an amazing teacher. She was hands down one of the best teachers I ever had.
Question #9: What has been the highlight of high school?
A: The highlight of high school was defeating Pepperrell in the Region 7AA Tennis Tournament and securing a spot in the state playoffs.
Question #10: Describe your high school experience in three words:
A: Challenging, Joyful, and Unforgettable
Question #11: Complete the sentence: “I will always remember…”
A: I will always remember all of the teachers and faculty in the school system that always went above and beyond to create the best schooling experience for every student.
Question #12: List any scholarships you received:
A: Better Business Bureau Scholarship, Georgia 4-H Achievement Scholarship, Helping Hands Scholarship, Diane Jones Memorial Scholarship, Optimist Scholarship, Rotary Scholarship, and Lyerly Civic Club Scholarship
Question #13: What will you miss most about CHS after you graduate?
A: I will miss the people and my friends the most. We have been together at CHS for four years, and many of us have either gone to elementary school together or known each other before high school.
Question #14: How hard did you work to be valedictorian, was it a goal, were you #1 all 4 years?
A: I worked very hard to be the valedictorian. Becoming valedictorian took countless hours of studying and hard work. It has been my goal since I entered high school. I was #2 my freshman year, but I was #1 every year after that.
Question #15: What is your greatest achievement during high school?
A: My greatest achievements besides becoming valedictorian and STAR student was passing my Certified Clinical Medical Assistant test, my Certified Nursing Assistant test, and my Patient Care Technician test.
Question #16: How have you changed since freshman year?
A: Obviously, a lot can change about anyone in four years. I feel like I have matured a great amount since my freshman year. I have always had a serious manner when it came to school, and that has stayed consistent. Since freshman year though, I have set higher goals for myself and achieved many more things than I thought I would have. My knowledge has grown tremendously thanks to the amazing education at CHS, and I have learned how to be a productive member of society.
Question #17: Out of all your years in high school, which one was your favorite and why?
A: My favorite year of high school was my senior year. Despite circumstances, we have had a mostly normal senior year. This was my last year of high school, and it was a very bittersweet experience. I was able to make many memories with my friends at games, prom, and other various events.
Question #18: A senior quote:
A: “Everything’s always ending, but everything’s always beginning, too” -Patrick Ness
Question #19: A word of advice for underclassmen:
A: You only get one chance to be a high school student. Take every opportunity and chance you get to make memories and achieve your goals. Always work hard and push yourself, but don’t forget to have fun.
Question #20: Who had the most impact on your education?
A: Mrs. Appelbaum had the most impact on my education. Even though she taught English, one of her goals is to always prepare her students to go into the world and be a productive member of society. Mrs. Appelbaum helped me gain many valuable life skills that will help me in college and my career.
