Klaudia Harris is an outstanding student at Tharptown High School and their 2017 valedictorian. She is very heavily involved in various school activities and she enjoys a challenge.
Klaudia is the daughter of Jill and Chad Boatwright and Jason and Brooke Harris. Becoming the valedictorian has been a goal of hers ever since elementary school. Even though she is graduating at the top of a small graduating class, it does not mean it was any easier to earn her spot. It was a very close race between her and the salutatorian. In the end Harris had a 99.98 grade point average.
She was completely shocked by the news. It did not even hit her that all her hard work had paid off until a couple weeks later.
“I am proud of myself for reaching my goal that always seemed so unattainable,” Harris said.
She received several scholarships for her hard work. She received the Valedictorian Scholarship, Russellville Civitan Scholarship, and the Booster Club Scholarship. She also received an award for being an AASSP Outstanding Student. College isn't cheap, so every bit of money counts.
Her college plans are to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College on Phil Campbell for the next two years. She would then like to transfer to the University of Alabama at Huntsville. She would like to major in Atmospheric Science and Meteorology in order to pursue her dream of becoming a Weather Forecaster.
“I really enjoy watching the weather. That is my main hobby and passion,” Harris said.
Harris has excelled in the classroom while playing softball and basketball for the Lady Wildcats. She serves as President of National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Secretary of Student Council. She is also the Yearbook Editor and a member of the Stem Club, Math Club and Math Team.
Harris is highly respected and loved by her peers and her teachers. Not only did she secure a good position in all the aforementioned clubs, she was voted Miss THS by the teachers at Tharptown High School.
"Klaudia is a wonderful example for Tharptown students because she does an excellent job of balancing academics and leadership,” said Meletha Walker, THS teacher and National Honor Society Advisor.
Harris has always been very driven and goal oriented. She has always wanted to be successful in life and believes that she is a natural-born leader. Her inspirational is her mother, because she taught her how to be an independent, successful woman.
“I plan to mirror her hard work and success in my life,” Harris said.
Harris enjoys politics and traveling. She is a huge Donald Trump fan, so she was extremely excited to travel to Washington D.C. to see his inauguration in January. She was even interviewed by Fox News!
Now that senior year is coming to an end, it is getting closer and closer to the day when Harris will give her valedictorian speech at Tharptown’s commencement ceremony. She is not nervous about giving to speech, but the writing process has been difficult. Senioritis even gets the best of the best.
She hopes that all of her fellow classmates succeed in life. Harris’s advice to next year's graduating class is no different than the age-old advice that everyone gives the juniors as they prepare to enter twelfth grade.
“Don’t rush it,” she said. “Enjoy every moment because one day you’re going to miss it.”
Ghandi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is Harris’ life motto. She is working hard to make a change in her future and the people who surround her.
