Gracelyn Veitch Named Chattooga High Salutatorian

Gracelyn Veitch has been named salutatorian for Chattooga High School’s class of 2021.

Graduation ceremonies will take place Friday, May 28th at 8pm at the Little Big Horn Stadium.

AllOnGeorgia conducted a Q and A with Veitch asking her 20 questions.

Question #1: What are your plans after high school?

Answer: I plan to attend the University of Georgia and major in Biology. I hope to one day become a Cardio-thoracic surgeon.

Question #2: Which extracurriculars, clubs, sports, have you been a part of?

A: I have been apart of the high school softball team, Student Leadership, BETA Club, and Attack Fastpitch.

Question #3: How do you want to be remembered from high school?

A: I want to be remembered as someone who was always kind and loving. My mom has always reminded me to “make someone smile today”, and I hope I can be remembered as someone who did that.

Question #4: Favorite Class / Favorite teacher

A: My favorite class was Honors Physical Science with Mrs. Lambert. She made learning so much fun and I can’t remember one time she wasn’t happy. Her style of teaching was perfect for me and I was able to make so many connections throughout the course.

Question #5: Where did you attend elementary/middle school?

A: I attended Lyerly Elementary School.

Question #6: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In ten years, I see myself hopefully graduated from medical school and working to become a surgeon.

Question #7: What made you choose UGA?

A: It goes without saying that UGA is a great school with a great Biology program, and I know I will be well served attending this school. I also love the environment in Athens and I believe it’s where I should be.

Question #8: What was your best memory from softball?

A: My best memory from softball has to be when I hit the tie-breaking homerun in the 11th inning of the second round of the state playoffs last year. It was genuinely one of the best feeling I’ve ever felt. Knowing that I helped my teammates win the toughest game we had played meant so much to me.

Question #9: What has been the highlight of high school?

A: The highlight of high school for me has been being with my friends for the last four years. We’ve gotten so close over the years and made so many memories that I will never forget.

Question #10: Describe your high school experience in three words:

A: Memorable, Unusual, and Enjoyable

Question #11: Complete the sentence: “I will always remember…” 

A: I will always remember all of the early mornings in 10th grade Biology, the 90 degrees summer softball practices, the late nights at McDonald’s after football games, and so much more. There have been so many great teachers, administrators, coaches, and students that made my four years here the best.

Question #12: List any scholarships you received:

A: Lyerly Civic Club Scholarship, Diane Jones Memorial Scholarship, and the Zell Miller Scholarship.

Question #13: What will you miss most about CHS after you graduate?

A: I will miss my friends that I’ve made throughout the last 12 years more than anything. We’ve grown up together and it’s hard to believe we have to go different ways soon.

Question #14: What was the most challenging class for you?

A: The most challenging class for me was Dual Enrollment English with Mrs. Appelbaum. When I started her class my sophomore year, I thought my writing and grammar skills were pretty good, but within the first 30 minutes of the first day Mrs. Appelbaum was teaching me things I had never even thought about when writing. Mrs. Appelbaum also never took it easy on grading these papers, she always said “When you walk in this classroom you are college students, so I am going to grade like a college professor”. And she meant that for sure. However, this class prepared me for college more than any other class did, and I am so grateful for that and Mrs. Appelbaum. If you’re reading this, I love you and thank you for being such a great teacher!!

Question #15: What is your greatest achievement during high school?

A: My greatest achievement during high school is being named the Salutatorian because it is a combination of four years of hard work, time management, and determination.

Question #16: How have you changed since freshman year?

A: I believe I have changed a lot in the last four years. Although I have always been very driven when it comes to school and softball, throughout these four years I have learned that in order to reach my highest goals I had to mature and work even harder. I believe I pushed myself to be the best I could be academically and athletically, especially in the last two years.

Question #17: Out of all your years in high school, which one was your favorite and why?

A: My favorite year of high school was definitely my sophomore year. I had great classes, we had a great softball season, football games were a lot of fun, and I got to spend my brother’s senior year with him. Overall, it was a lot of fun and I made many great memories.

Question #18: A senior quote:

A: “Your future is only good as the work you put into it.”

Question #19: A word of advice for underclassmen:

A: Always live in the moment and don’t take these years for granted, because they truly do fly by. Work hard and push yourself to be the best student you can be, it will definitely help you in the end!

Question #20: Who had the most impact on your education?

A: Mrs. Appelbaum without a doubt had the most impact on my education. She prepared me for not only college, but life as well. She taught me how to be organized and prepared for anything that might be thrown my way. I am so thankful for her and the skills that she taught me.