Senior Sophie Farnum is a star student who has excelled academically and athletically. Her hard work and passion have led her to do great things.
“Honestly, I wasn’t planning to be valedictorian,” Farnum said. “I’m competitive, so I am doing well in my classes. I like getting good grades on tests, and I think that just ended up with me being valedictorian.”
Her hard work and commitment have led her to academic success. She is driven to do her best in everything she does.
“I see her strive in academics every day,” English teacher Jocelyn Sission said. “She works incredibly hard, engages during class, asks awesome questions, and sees me outside class. She is the epitome of a hardworking, dedicated and engaged student.”
Teachers recognize her pursuit of being the best student she can be. Asking questions, staying after school and being engaged show Farnum’s dedication as a student.
“She is incredibly humble, she’s incredibly curious, she’s earnest, and she’s not afraid to acknowledge when she’s not sure or doesn’t understand anything,” IB coordinator Andrew Hudson said. “She’s a great conversational partner.”
Even though Farnum is a star student, she still advocates for her needs and recognizes when she needs help.
“I would say that as a very dedicated student,” social studies teacher Andy Wiggins said. “She never allows anything to keep her down for long; she is very resilient.”
Her ability to overcome challenges makes her very strong academically. Not only is she a star student, she manages to balance academics with athletics.
“I would say a lot of times I just had to teach myself that I can’t always turn in something perfect,” Farnum said. “I’ve just had to realize that sometimes good enough is enough. Also, I prioritize what I enjoy and consider important to me and carve out time for that.”
Despite her busy schedule, Farnum has found ways to prioritize the things that matter most to her.
“Outside of school, I run cross country, I’m part of the JV swim team, and I also run track,” Farnum said. “I’m also a part of the Wind Ensemble here, so that just takes some time.”
Farnum prioritizes having a good time in high school and engaging in activities she enjoys. It also shows how she gets involved with the school beyond academics.
“Enjoy your time in high school,” Farnum said. “Don’t choose classes just for the weighted grade; choose classes because they sound interesting because you would enjoy them and just make it fun.”
Farnum’s advice to underclassmen shows how she has gotten through her high school career and continues to work hard. Finding interesting classes has helped her enjoy school.
“She exemplifies what it means to be a hardworking student,” Sission said. “I have certainly taught other hardworking students, but she is certainly one of the students I’ve taught over 25 years in the building who is an exceptionally hard worker.”
Her teachers and peers recognize Farnum’s academic and athletic grit. Her ability to stay engaged in class pays off when she completes work.
“She’s very focused, and she’s very on task,” senior Maura Smith said. “When we do group projects, she’s the one that knows what’s going on, and she’s the one who’s like, ‘We have to go.’”
Farnum is good at managing her academics but also easily engages with other students, strengthening the combined work.
“For the wind ensemble and band, there’s a community, and she’s pretty involved in that because we are all friends and hang out,” Smith said. “We make events at which we have to hang out, and I know she’s very involved in her section.”
Another thing Farum does well with is managing her time with her friends. Even though she is already balancing academics and athletics, she leaves time to be social and get to know others within her community.
“Sophie will bring curiosity and hardworkingness into the future along with her desire to do well, her ability to overcome obstacles and her intellectuality,” Sisson said. “I mean, she’s an interesting-thinking human being. She’s awesome. She’s an awesome kid.”
Farnum plans to attend college at Oberlin or Saint Olaf and major in biology. Her dedication to learning and drive to exceed expectations will continue to give her success in the future.
