Beech High's valedictorian and salutatorian: What's next, who helped and their favorites
Beech High School has 361 graduates in its class of 2023 and achievements like two DECA groups placing in the top five in international competition and the football team advancing to the Class 6A state championship game.
Principal Kenneth Powell pointed to the character of the class as a whole with graduation scheduled at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 20, at Long Hollow Baptist Church.
"They wanted to impact a community by being inclusive and encouraging," Powell said. "The senior leaders of this class hosted events, planned activities and encouraged all students to be a part of the activities. They encouraged other students to get involved and help build a strong positive school climate."
Valedictorian
Graham Huffine
College or career plans: To attend the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa to major in International Relations as a member of the Honors College.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "It could sometimes get challenging to trying to manage my time and various commitments with all the clubs and activities I participate in on top of applying for colleges and scholarships during the past few months."
Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation (asked prior to graduation)? "Yes. I had already anticipated making a speech as senior class president, so I consider it a huge honor to be able to speak twice at graduation in front of my peers, loved ones and all the teachers who have supported me over the last four years."
Extra-curricular activities and outside interests: Model United Nations, Youth in Government, student council, DECA, Key Club and being a peer leader with Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS). I am also very involved with my church and youth group at Madison Church of Christ. My personal interests include hiking, hanging out with my friends and all things ice cream."
A person who influenced you during high school: "In addition to my teachers and parents, I have truly been influenced the most by my church family including my youth ministers and faith leaders. Their support and friendship has encouraged me throughout high school and have greatly strengthened my faith."
Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Chuy's, classic rock and "The Mandalorian."
Salutatorian
Niya Angelova
College or career plans: To attend the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and major in political science and minor in Spanish. Hopes to eventually attend law school on track to become an immigration attorney.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "My biggest challenge was time management. I love to be involved in the community and take every opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and run for leadership positions. While I am grateful for the experiences I've gained from my involvement, it was difficult to balance with my school work."
Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation (asked prior to graduation)? "I am very excited to speak at graduation. Year after year I am left in awe by the inspiring messages delivered by the graduating classes' speakers and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to leave my own impact on the class of 2023."
Extra-curricular activities and outside interests: Student Leadership, Future Business Leaders of America, Model United Nations, Youth in Government, DECA, Beta Club, Key Club, Girls Lead International, TNSTRONG, cross-country and track. Personal interests include running, listening to music and the outdoors.
A person who influenced you during high school: "My world history teacher (Renee) Manwaring has been one of the most influential people in my life this past year. In just one short semester she was able to show me what it truly means to be a Beech Buccaneer; she exemplifies courage and kindness in all that she does and never fails to inspire me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her."
Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Panera Bread, Wallows and "Gilmore Girls."
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Beech High School's valedictorian and salutatorian made their marks
