[slideshow_deploy id=’84067′]After coming from a small private K-8 school hardly knowing anybody, valedictorian Morgan Smith found her place in high school joining the Legend yearbook staff, flag football, National Honor Society and volleyball.
“I got involved in volleyball and yearbook and met many awesome people. I made new friends and I pushed out of my comfort zone,” Smith said.
Smith’s fondest memories include being crowned homecoming queen and beating Bishop Moore in volleyball for the first time in nine seasons.
“Being named homecoming queen was definitely a shock, but it represents my involvement at Boone, so that’s my biggest accomplishment,” Smith said.
After making it through two years of high school with all A’s, Smith worked to keep the consistency of her grades since she was halfway through with high school. Becoming a valedictorian represents that she did more than just ace tests. She put in the work to stay dedicated in her academics even if it cut into other activities.
“[You have to have] the willingness to put effort in. Getting straight A’s doesn’t just happen, you have to work for it, even if it means sacrificing sleep or your social life sometimes,” Smith said.
However, her biggest challenge was AP Calculus with Dr. Terri Tachon. Smith said she needed to be mentally present while she was teaching. She struggled with procrastinating too.
“I procrastinate like it’s my job,” Smith said. “I stay up late to finish my work instead of just starting it when I get home.”
Smith will attend the University of Florida. With an interest in math, science and medicine, she plans to major in pre-medicine.
Even though Smith came out top of her class, she believes high school is not all about the grades; students need to find their perfect balance.
“High school isn’t all about getting A’s,” Smith said. “It’s about getting involved in whatever makes you happy and enjoying some of the best years of your life.”