MONROE — Monroe High School senior Sarah Reeves, 17, has helped make her campus more inclusive, including a more representative homecoming court. This year, she also was part of the court — and ultimately was voted to the monarchy.
Question: You recently celebrated a “Wizard of Oz” homecoming. How was it?
Answer: It was really fun. I like how many different groups go. It’s kind of surprising to see a lot of different people come together. It’s a lot of fun, and a chance for people to show their school spirit throughout the week.
Q: I understand you were involved in incorporating a lot of those different groups?
A: Yeah, that was our coronation process. I’ve been on that committee for two years now. We just kind of get two different people from every club or sport or activity. So a lot of people get to get recognized for what they do, whether it’s Hi-Q or ASB … It’s fun to see everyone get excited about being recognized on court.
Q: As students, why did you decide that was a good thing to do?
A: Everyone was kind of getting sick of the old ways and it seemed that people were starting to idolize them when they were just walking down in gowns. It turned into a popularity contest, and that wasn’t really what coronation was about. People should be recognized for their character. So we spent a lot of time thinking about how to change it.
With all the sports and activities, we had (64) students (in coronation court this year). We do a food drive aspect, because we didn’t want to do voting for everyone — that would be a lot. So we did a food drive, and the top 14 who bring in the most amount of food get to the voting aspect. We brought in almost $3,000 and like 7,500 cans of food. So it was a huge thing for the food bank. It was really awesome.
Q: Who were the Top 2 vote-getters this year?
A: Eli Tofilau, who is on the football team, and me. … It was really surprising. I didn’t expect it at all. Everyone was really nice about it and said that I was really deserving, which meant a lot to me to hear that from people.
Q: You also have made sure students from life skills classes were involved, and walked some of them through the coronation process.
A: It always warms my heart when I go in there to talk with them because they have such kind hearts.
Q: What are some other things you do?
A: I’m involved in Link Crew. I also did National Honor Society last year, and drama club this year and last year. Sports Med Club … I’m president of that right now. Oh, and I joined Hi-Q this year. I’m excited about that. It’s going to be really fun. And I think that’s it. Oh, and varsity softball, since freshman year. I think that’s it.
Q: It sounds like a lot. Does it feel like a lot?
A: At times it can — when everything’s happening at once, then it gets to be a lot. But not anything that’s unmanageable.
Q: What classes are you taking?
A: This year I’m taking (college-level Advanced Placement) literature, AP stats, ASB, advanced sports med, CCR right now, and anatomy and phys. CCR is our “College and Career Ready” class that we do for our culminating project, which is our senior project to graduate. I’m doing mine on midwifery and making a how-to video… One of my friend’s moms is a midwife, and I had to get a project advisor. I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field and I think that’s a really cool job. I don’t think it’s necessarily where I want to go with my future, but it was something I wanted to learn about.
Q: You’re interested in medicine?
A: I’ve really been interested in pediatrics. I love working with children and I always have. I used to think I wanted to be a pediatrician, and then I thought about pediatric surgery. I don’t know, but something with pediatrics for sure.
Q: Do you have anyone who you’ve looked up to, for inspiration or a mentor?
A: Two teachers automatically came to my mind. Miss (Jaime) Johnson, for sure, is our ASB advisor. She’s incredible and has taught me so much about leadership. Also Mr. (Josh) Allen — I had him my freshman year (for humanities). He just made such a big impact on me because he’s such a kind person. It really inspired me, on how kindness can affect people. I still go visit him at least once a week.
Q: So if you have free time, what do you like to do?
A: I’m really interested in makeup… It’s really fun, all the different things you can do with it. It’s always been a passion of mine. And I love to hang out with my family. I know everyone says that, but I really do. We watch movies together. We always have scary movie marathons, which is so fun, especially around Halloween.
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: Oh, “Halloween.” I love Michael Myers.
Q: What’s something about you that might surprise people to know?
A: I’ve always wanted to do a drama production. I actually never have, because I always do hair and makeup.
Q: What is it like, being at this stage in life?
A: It’s overwhelming, not knowing what I’m going to do with my future and how I have to figure it out so soon. But it’s also really exciting, knowing that I’m going to get have new experiences soon. It’s also sad, because I really love Monroe High School. It’s going to be really hard to leave everyone here. I’m really excited for my future.
Melissa Slager: mslager@heraldnet.com, 425-339-3432.
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
