Rankin620web

Sydney
BURKS
PARK PLACE ACADEMY
Describe your senior year in three words.
Fun, fast-paced, unforgettable.
If you could create one mandatory course for future seniors,
what would it be?
Home economics. It’s already an existing class but my school
doesn’t offer it. I feel like home economics teaches basic skills
that many students should know before being sent into the
world on their own.
“I will always remember…”
I will always remember the time my friend hosted our class
party at her house in fifth grade. She had an antique landline
on her nightstand, and one of the other girls thought it was
fake. The girl dialed 9-1-1 and an operator answered. She
wasn’t expecting anyone to answer so she freaked out and
hung up the phone immediately. A few minutes later, a police
officer showed up to the house and fussed at the girls for
playing on the phone. This all happened a few minutes before
I got to the party though, so I missed the best part of the party.
If you could change one school rule, what would it be?
We are required to wear outerwear with our school’s logo on
it. Most of the time it’s colder inside than outside, so I’d prefer
to be allowed to wear warmer clothes..
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself with a great job as a pharmacist. Hopefully, I’ll
either be married or getting married soon. If I’m married by
then, I might be expecting my first child.
Who was your favorite teacher throughout all of high school
and why?
Mr. Clendinning, one of the English teachers, was my favorite
by far. He’s helpful, funny, and very patient. Also, he deeply
cares for his students. He’s kind of like the school grandfather.
Soli Deo Gloria
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
Definitely the first day of school. We had policemen escort us
seniors to school. Also, our families, friends, and other students
were waiting for us to arrive at school and begin our senior
walkthrough. Once the walkthrough started, everyone lined
up from one end of the campus to the other just to celebrate
us. I felt like I was in a miniature parade.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
There is an elderly woman in my church named Miss Daisy.
She’s a sweet lady. Every time she sees me, she gives me a hug
and says, “Make sure you learn all you can while you have the
opportunity.”
If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?
I’d change my attitude towards playing soccer. I became a
nonchalant player in the last few years. Many of my coaches
told me I had so much potential, but I just dismissed them and
went through the motions. I’ve recently finished my last season
of soccer, and I regret not doing all I could have. I should have
worked harder and given more effort.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
Don’t wish your time away. It doesn’t matter what stage of life
you’re, don’t wish it away. I remember being a freshman wishing
I could be done with school or wishing I could be close to
graduation. All that time I wished I could have been done with,
I wish I could experience one last time. Time is precious; it’s
the one thing we can’t get back after we’ve lost it. Make the
most of the here and now with the people around you.
What are your plans after graduation?
During the summer I’ll be working toward obtaining my
pharmacy technician certification. Afterwards, I’ll be immediately
pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do
some traveling here and there.
Hometown RANKIN • 75