‘Making lasting connections with your peers and teachers will help you immensely’: Vinemont’s Sadie Land reflects on Eagle years

By:
0
1204
Vinemont’s Sadie Land. (Courtesy of Sadie Land)

VINEMONT, Ala. – In this interview, I talked to Vinemont’s Sadie Land, and she talked about her experience being a part of some great clubs as well as some of her favorite memories.

“I really liked having leadership opportunities in the clubs I participated in. I also enjoyed being friends with the people that were in the clubs with me. Participating in these various clubs helped me to get out of my comfort zone, and it helped me to develop leadership qualities. The service aspect of National Honor Society and Student Government Association taught me the importance of helping my community. It was really special to see the impact we were making on other people,” Land said. “One of my favorite memories was winning the overall award for the UAH InSPIRESS competition. My team was the first all-girl team to ever win an award, and we were competing against STEM schools. It was truly an honor to serve as Project Manager. I learned so much from the mentors at UAH, my team, and our sponsor, Mrs. Shannon Bridges. My hardworking team and I worked all semester to perfect our mission, and it paid off.”

Sadie transferred to Vinemont her junior year and had a blast during her time as an Eagle; she shared some of her favorite high school memories. during her time at Vinemont.

“Transferring to Vinemont my junior year was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was given endless opportunities and chances to learn and grow. I can’t thank the teachers and faculty at Vinemont enough for providing an amazing learning environment. Being an Eagle is being a part of a family that helps you succeed,” Land said. “My favorite high school memory was my senior prom. I just loved seeing everyone all dressed up, looking their best. It was so much fun to see everyone having such a good time on the dance floor. We all went crazy when the DJ played, ‘Only Girl in the World’, by Rhianna, which is one of my favorite songs.”

She added,

“I will also cherish the memories I made the days leading up to graduation. It was one of the busiest times of my life, but it was so much fun. We all got to soak up our last few high school memories together. There were lots of laughs, tears, and goodbyes. The morning before awards day was definitely one of my favorites. My two best friends, Kelsey and Savannah, and I work up early to watch the sunrise before our last day of high school. We reminisced on our high school memories and realized how far we had come. It was so special.”

Sadie was so blessed to have graduated with so many amazing seniors and despite being an Eagle for only two years, Vinemont will hold a very special place in her heart.

“Vinemont High School’s Class of 2023 was such an academically competitive class. I was challenged every day by my peers, and I am so appreciative of that. We all pushed each other to succeed, and it really made a difference. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone at graduation, even though I had only known everyone for two years. This class welcomed me in on my first day with open arms, and I am forever grateful. I am so excited to see God’s plan unfold in our lives. I pray for all of God’s blessings to bestow upon each and every one of them.”

She added,

“I was so blessed to attend school with such amazing teachers, faculty, and students. Our teachers really knew how to make school enjoyable, and they each truly cared for all of us. I am so grateful for all of the ‘good mornings’ from Mrs. Preiss, Coach Teichmiller’s hilarious stories, Coach Drummond’s life lessons, and Mrs. Whisenant helping me with my math problems. I definitely felt a sense of belonging at school every day. The spirit and family-like atmosphere at Vinemont is like no other. We were encouraged daily to be better versions of ourselves, academically and morally.”

Sadie will remember so many things during her time at Vinemont and will deeply miss being an Eagle next year. She gave the upcoming freshman some advice.

“I will remember the growth and accomplishments that I made while in high school, and of course, the people who helped me get there. I will definitely miss the fun student sections, seeing my friends every day, and eating lunch every day with my boyfriend,” she said. “My advice to the upcoming freshman class is to be involved. Joining different clubs, sports teams, and organizations make high school fun. Don’t be scared to let your true personality shine. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to go against the crowd. Do what is best for yourself, and work hard in high school. Making lasting connections with your peers and teachers will help you immensely. Choose wisely the people that you trust and pay attention to the way they treat others. Don’t spend your time with people who are pulling you in the wrong direction. Trust God always, even when life gets difficult.”

Sadie received a couple of scholarships and felt so honored to get them. She will take away so much from her time at Vinemont.

“I received two scholarships: The Chancellor’s Scholarship and the Hugh G. Rose Scholarship. I was so thankful to receive these two scholarships; they will help me further my academic career and earn a degree in Marketing at Troy University,” she said. “My biggest takeaway from going to Vinemont is that sometimes, going to a smaller school will benefit you more than going to a bigger school. Another thing is that everything happens for a reason. When I first moved, I was nervous, because most of the students have attended school together their whole lives. I was worried that I would not fit in or make many friends, but the opposite happened. God knew that Vinemont was the right fit for me.”

Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.