ARLINGTON HIGH VALEDICTORIAN ADDISON GARDNER
It’s graduation season and weÌýare celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ ISD high schools. Meet ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ High School’s valedictorian Addison Gardner.
NAME:ÌýAddison Gardner
SCHOOL: ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ High School
COLLEGE:Ìý
INTENDED MAJOR:ÌýForensics and investigative science
〉What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?
The biggest thing I would say is to get involved in your school, whether that is with sports, clubs or fine arts. Finding that group of people where you feel like you belong is so important to the high school experience because having that community you feel comfortable in can help you through all the things – good and bad – while also giving you and helping you find those people that make high school a memorable experience.
〉If you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?
I don’t know much about superheroes. I guess I would say Spiderman because of his passion for helping the community, not only the community but the entire world is admirable. And the way he’s able to balance his personal life and just being a normal person with his passion for doing good.
〉What are you most excited about after graduation?
Just moving on to college and the next stage of my life and all the new opportunities and new connections and the new people I can meet is something I’m looking forward to. And just getting started with my career and all that. I want to get into the forensics field and that’s something I’m really looking forward to in college because that’s what I will be majoring in. I’m really looking forward to that.
〉Who inspires you the most and why?
My mom. She’s not just my mom but also my best friend. She is so patient and kind and has an incredible ability for problem solving. I just know that I can always turn to her when I need to no matter how stressed out I am or anything and she will always be there to calm me down and brainstorm solutions together. She just inspires me every day to want to be like her and have her patience and kindness and quick-thinking skills.
〉What’s been your favorite high school memory?
I would have to say everything involving Friday Night Lights. I am a cheerleader and so getting to be on the sidelines with my best friends is just an unforgettable feeling. The unity and the excitement really with everyone at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ High at football games is just unmatched and something I will never forget.