Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Helena High School’s top eight seniors reflect on their past four years and discuss their next steps.

LINDSAY ETHERIDGE – VALEDICTORIAN

What extracurriculars are you involved in?

In the way of clubs, I am involved in the Art Club, of which I am the Secretary, and the Helena High School Math Team. I am also involved in every academic honors society and hold the title of President for the National Art Honors Society and the National Technical Honors Society.

What teacher or staff member has been particularly influential for you?

I think every teacher I’ve ever had the privilege of being taught by has influenced me in one way or another, however, the ones that stand out to me the most are all from high school: Mr. (Brandon) McCabe for his attentiveness to my perspective, Mr. (Christopher) Galloway for challenging me in new ways, Mrs. (Lindsey) Rigdon for her understanding and genuine nature, Mr. (Gardner) Moseley for his sense of humor and passion for coding, Mr. (Wallace) Dupuis for his constant encouragement and perfected teaching techniques, Mr. (David) James for his uplifting character and stepping up when he didn’t have to and coach (Adam) Bice for taking the time to make sure every student understands even the most difficult concepts.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is that no one is limiting you but yourself, so be who you dream you can be.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

My best advice for underclassmen is to save time to make new memories because you only get to be a senior in high school once in your life. Also, surround yourself with people who make your experiences exponentially better just with their presence.

What are you looking forward to most about experiencing graduation?

I am most looking forward to walking across the stage, receiving my diploma and being proud to know that I have achieved all the goals I had set for myself.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation are to attend the University of Alabama and major in computer science with a focus in cyber security.

KYLIE HOSEY – SALUTATORIAN 

What extracurriculars are you involved in at school?

I am a member of Helena High School’s Ambassadors and Student Leadership Team/Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. I am also the Secretary of the Student Government Association.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

Live your life to the fullest. Life is unpredictable, you never know what could happen, so live the life you’ve always dreamed of.

What is your best memory of high school?

My best high school memory is senior Homecoming Week. It was so fun to be able to go all out for my last year and I really enjoyed it.

What is your number one study tip?

My number one study tip is to do practice questions. Going into high school, I did not really know how to study. Once I started engaging in practice material rather than just rereading notes, I understood everything so much better.

What are you looking forward to most about experiencing graduation?

I am most excited to begin the next portion of my life and witness my friends begin theirs. I am looking forward to seeing everyone walk across the stage and finally earning what we have all been working towards.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be attending the University of Georgia. I am majoring in psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience with hopes to eventually become a psychiatrist.

SOPHIA HOWELL

What extracurriculars are you involved in at school?

I’m involved in SGA, where I’m the senior class treasurer. I am also involved in Big Brother Big Sister, where I am a mentor to a student at Helena Intermediate School.

What teacher or staff member has been particularly influential for you?

Señora (Michelle) Perez has been incredibly influential to me during my time in high school. I was in her class for Spanish II and now for AP Spanish, and she continuously makes me and every other student feel so appreciated and heard each and every day.

What is your best memory of high school?

Decorating the school hallways for Homecoming Week. Every year for SGA we get to do this and it is so fun and special to work together and create something for the whole school to see.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Enjoy every day. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people during your time in high school because it will be over before you know it. These four years are for figuring out who you are and having fun.

What are you looking forward to most about experiencing graduation?

I’m looking forward to seeing all of my friends walk across the stage with me. I am so proud of everyone that I have gone through high school with and being all together one last time will be so sentimental.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am attending Auburn University’s Honors College and majoring in biochemistry. I plan on going to medical school after college.

ALYSON RAGLAND

What extracurriculars are you involved in?

I am a long running member of SGA, Ambassadors, the Student Leadership team, National Art Honor Society, Thespians, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Helena Belles, a graduate of Youth Leadership of Shelby County and a recent member of the Helena Teen Council.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

The best piece of advice that I have received is to say yes to everything. Try new things, take advantage of every opportunity, keep believing in yourself and truly, the stars are the limit.

What is your number one study tip?

My number one study tip is to personalize your material. Methods like word associations and finding similarities within concepts is one thousand times more helpful than attempting to learn in a way that was meant for someone else to understand. Get plenty of rest, pay attention in class and ask as many questions as you need to. Take advantage of the practice material your teacher gives you and don’t be afraid to seek help outside of class, whether that be from friends or faculty.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan to pursue my love for the arts by majoring in acting at Ithaca College or Musical Theatre at Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts. From there I plan to not only perform on stage and in film but also write and direct my own productions.

ELIJAH ANDREWS

What extracurriculars are you involved in at school?

I have had the privilege of participating in some of Helena High School’s excellent extracurricular opportunities during my time here. I have been a member of the varsity tennis team since my sophomore year, and am currently a member of our school’s “Peer Helper” organization.

What teacher or staff member has been particularly influential for you?

As my tennis coach for the past four years, as well as my tenth grade AP U.S. history teacher, Mr. (Brandon) McCabe has always shown an obvious commitment to the success and growth of his players and students, as well as been someone I enjoy and trust talking to.

What is your best memory of high school?

Some of my best memories of high school have come from sporting or school spirit events. Over the years I have made many great memories with my friends during pep rallies, football games, basketball games and even my own tennis matches.

What is your number one study tip?

My number one study tip is to try to explain things out loud. The way I have always known if I truly understand a set of material is if I am able to adequately explain it verbally, as if I am trying to teach it to an imaginary group of people.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Alabama as a chemistry major and a member of the Randall Research Scholars Program. Beyond that, I hope to pursue some sort of graduate degree and go into a particular area of medical research.

KYLIE SCOGGINS

What extracurriculars are you involved in?

I am involved in SGA, Peer Helpers, cross country and track and field.

What teacher or staff member has been particularly influential for you?

Mrs. (Jennifer) Sellers, my first grade teacher. She fostered a love for learning and started me on a path to flourish academically. I always look fondly on her class and have a lot of great memories from that time.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

You are the only person you need to be good enough for.

What is your best memory of high school?

The whole week of senior homecoming. Before the week even started I had so much fun decorating the school with SGA one last time. Then throughout the week I went all out dressing up and participating in all of the games and just making the most of it as it would be my last time to do something like this.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Get involved. Go to the games, be loud at pep rallies, join clubs and organizations. They are great ways to meet new people and make new friends as well as making high school much more exciting. After all high school is what you make it so try and make it as fun as possible.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in nursing. After that I hope to work towards becoming a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist).

ADDISON DRAISS

What extracurriculars are you involved in?

I am a part of the softball and volleyball teams here at Helena. I’m also a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Rho Kappa.

What is your best memory of high school?

My best memory in high school was making it to state multiple times with my softball team. I loved getting to play with my teammates and see the support of my peers in the stands. Another great memory I will always cherish were the Friday nights watching the football team with my friends.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

My best advice for the underclassmen would be to step out of your comfort zone and do things that may seem scary. Make new friends, try new things, and get involved in school activities that interest you.

What are you looking forward to most about experiencing graduation?

Graduation is a time to reflect on the experiences and lessons I have learned along the way. I am most looking forward to seeing my peers celebrate their accomplishments and all the hard work they put in to get to this point.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am going to continue my academic and athletic career at Gadsden State Community College while minoring in a business degree. After my two years there, I plan to attend Auburn University and study through their interior design program.

ADDISON DOCKERY

What activities and extracurriculars are you involved in?

I have played varsity volleyball for four years. I am a member of both the Big Brother Big Sisters Organization and Student Leadership Team, which partners with the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. Additionally, I am a member of multiple honors societies, including the national, math, English, science, history and technical honor societies.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

My mom has always told me that failure is an opportunity to learn. She often related it to sports, but the same idea has always helped me in academics. I think it’s important to know that it is ok to not be perfect all the time.

What’s your number one study tip?

For me, I have always found it easiest to study when I make some form of flashcards, whether that be physical or online. This helps me review while I’m making them and makes it easy to study once they’re done.

What are you looking forward to most about experiencing graduation?

I am most looking forward to starting college in the fall. I am really excited to experience college life and be able to meet so many new people. I am also excited to just be in Auburn and be a part of all the traditions.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend Auburn University to study civil engineering. Once I get my bachelor’s degree, I hope to continue on to get my master’s.