Gabriella Fatigati is one of 27 valedictorians.
What college do you plan to attend? “Rochester Institute of Technology.”
Why did you choose Rochester Institute of Technology? “I chose RIT for their unique photographic sciences major. It’s the only university that offers a major in this field and the school is renowned for their advances in the photographic industry, including in: commercial, advertising, photojournalism, fine art, imaging sciences, and photographic sciences photography. Also, there’s two ice rinks on campus.”
What is your intended major? “Photographic Sciences.”
Why do you want to study photographic sciences? “It seems like I’ve explored every branch of photography besides photographic sciences, so I wanted to challenge myself in this new field. I’ll get to learn how to create the technology behind the camera and how to photograph scientific matter. I’m really excited because this major combines my love for science and photography.”
What are your other college acceptances? “American University, Florida State University, Ithaca College, Pratt Institute (Brooklyn), Pratt Institute (Utica), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Florida, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Maryland College Park, University of South Florida, Western Kentucky University.”
What clubs and sports have you participated in? “Varsity and competitive cheerleading for 3 years. Varsity flag football for 3 years. Yearbook, 2 years as an editor, and 1 year as a staff member. Ocean Activists Club Officer for 2 years. Theater for 2 years.”
Which club was your favorite? “My favorite club that I participated in was yearbook. I made some of my best friends, learned a lot about my school and community, mastered journalistic skills such as photography, design, writing, interviewing and data collection and got to give back to my school.”
What is your favorite Boone memory? “Leading the prayer before my last cheerleading competition and making everyone cry, working through the hysteria at 10 p.m. during yearbook workdays with my best friends, and scoring the first (and last) pick six of the flag football season and turning the game around so we won our last ever game.”
Who is your role model? “My role model is my grandma because no matter what the circumstance, she always finds the light and stays positive. She inspires me to always work hard and to be grateful for the little things in life.”
How did you stay motivated in school? “I stayed motivated in school by setting goals for myself, taking things day by day and by keeping in mind the benefits that come from staying determined and working hard.”
What do you want to do after college? “After college, I want to continue to work in the photographic industry, hopefully for companies such as Google, Adobe, NASA or AquaTech Imaging Solutions. But more importantly, I want to continue traveling and spending time with my family.”
What advice do you have for incoming students? “Try something new, always be a friend, talk to adults, take lots of pictures, be yourself and don’t forget to buy your yearbook.”