Trion High School’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian Announced: Kinzleigh Turner

Kinzleigh Turner has been announced as the valedictorian of Trion High School’s Class of 2024.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 24th at 8 p.m. in Sam R. McCain Stadium.

AllOnGeorgia conducted a Q&A session with Turner, during which she was asked 20 questions.

Question #1: What are your plans after high school?
Answer: After high school, I will be attending Berry College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. With that degree, I want to be a NICU (newborn intensive care unit) Nurse. It has always been a dream to work with the
smallest and most innocent lives as they may be enduring their most vulnerable point in their life.

Question #2: Which extracurriculars, clubs, and athletics have you participated in?

A: During high school I played three varsity sports: Softball and Basketball for four years, and tennis for three years. I have been involved in a variety of clubs including Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club, and FCA. I also graduated from the Chattooga Leadership Program this year!

Question #3: How do you want to be remembered from high school?
A: I want to be remembered as a role model specifically for the younger girls. I want to be an example to them to not only overcome hardships in their life, but to also see themselves as beautiful and perfect in their own way and not how everyone else wants them to be.

Question #4: Favorite Class / Favorite teacher (does not have to be high school)
A: My favorite teacher, Mrs. Kellee Stamey, also happens to be one of my softball coaches. She is the kindest and most heartwarming teacher I know. She has been more than a teacher and a coach. She has been there when I need a
shoulder to cry on, or simply someone to listen to. She is admirable and always has a smile on her face, she never takes anyone or anything for granted and she lives for being the best teacher, friend, and mentor.

Question #5: Where did you attend elementary/middle school?
A: I have attended Trion since pre-k!

Question #6: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I could see myself about to finish my nurse practitioner degree. I want to further my BSN to a nurse practitioner, so that my schedule may be more stable in time for a family of my own.

Who is your role model, and why?
A: To be honest, I have two role models in my life. My parents are by far my biggest role models. Everyone may not always know, but life was never as perfect as it seems. My mom and I worked through some hardships together in my younger years. I admire her for being so selfless, and putting herself aside to always ensure I had everything I needed and possibly more if she could make it happen. She is my idol for strength.
My dad can never be underestimated for his role in my life, and I will forever be thankful. He took on a job that not everyone has the heart for, especially if that kid is already old enough to consciously remember and associate things and different memories. I admire him for stepping into my life and taking me in and adopting me as his own. It’s easier to love things that are strictly your own, but he never made me feel any different than his own. I will forever admire his source of love and passion. He loves with his whole heart, and I want to make sure that people around me feel loved and cared for no matter who they are.

Question #8: Which class most threatened your valedictorian status, or was the most challenging?
A: The most challenging class that I have taken is definitely my Philosophy class. I am currently taking it online for one of my dual enrollment classes. This class has challenged me more than any other class. I do, however, feel like it is setting me up for success for my future college years!

Question #9: What has been the highlight of high school?
A: The highlight of high school for me is definitely winning the region championship for basketball this year. Our senior group has worked so hard for that moment. Achieving that goal was the highlight for me because of the joy it
brought myself, the community, and my team!

Question #10: Describe your high school experience in three words
A: Dreams Come True

Question #11: Complete the sentence: “I will always remember…”
A: I will always remember the kindest teachers who cared, and wanted to help you in any way they could because they wanted you to succeed.

Question #12: List any scholarships you received:
A: Berry College Dean’s Scholarship ($25,000); Berry’s Bailey-Morgan Nursing Scholarship ($4,000); Zell Miller ($7,000); and hopefully more!

Question #13: What will you miss most about THS after graduation?
A: The supportive, small community, and the feeling of being home.

Question #14: How hard did you work to be valedictorian? Was it a goal? Were you #1 all four years?
A: While being involved in any and everything, I feel like I’ve worked very hard to achieve my goal of being valedictorian. While working, playing sports, and being involved in the community, I was still able to pour into my books to maintain my academic standard. I fell short into #2 my freshman year, but I used that as
motivation to secure the #1 spot after that.

Question #15: What is your most outstanding achievement during high school? (Besides valedictorian)
A: My most outstanding achievement during high school is my time management, in my opinion. Being able to manage a workload of work, sports, and grades, and receiving awards for them was never easy. Sometimes I would question my choices, but in the end I am glad I never gave any of them and instead pushed through.

Question #16: How have you changed since your first year?
A: Since my first year of high school, I feel like I have become less worried about what others think. I have changed my mindset to being the best person that I can be, and staying true to myself. I think that has helped me tremendously.

Question #17: Out of all your high school years, which was your favorite and why?
A: My favorite year of high school has definitely been my senior year. Although it is bittersweet, the memories that I have made will always be cherished.

Question #18: A senior quote
A: Don’t compare yourself to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon, they shine when it’s their time.

Question #19: A word of advice for underclassmen
A: Hard Work truly does pay off. Your best is always recognized, and I promise that you will never regret giving your best effort at everything you do! Enjoy and savor every minute you have and don’t wish it away because I promise it flies by.

Question #20: What teacher had the most impact on your education?
A: Mrs. Deparlier had the most impact on my education. Although I love science, her classes always pushed me to be a better student. She always tries to make class fun, but maintains professionalism when it is needed. Her way of teaching impacted my studying habits, and work ethic. She taught me that the hard work does pay off because nothing is ever given, especially in college.