VINEMONT, Ala. – Vinemont senior Lily Hasting just earned her diploma to wrap up her high school career and in this interview, she shared some of her favorite memories from her time participating in archery, band, the Fast Track program at Wallace State and more.
“I made some of my best friends in the band and archery programs at Vinemont. In band, I was on the drumline and played a variety of percussion instruments. Band as a whole was a remarkable experience and brought forth a family of classmates that still support me to this day. Archery was also very positive for me. I was involved in the program from fourth grade until the 10th grade, and it was such a blessing,” Hasting said. “The Fast Track program opened many doors for me, and the furtherance of my education. It allowed me to become very involved on Wallace State’s campus with their various honor societies and leadership roles in SGA and Rotaract. The program also allowed me to graduate with my Associate of Science degree before graduating high school, which has pushed me two years in advancement towards my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from UAB. The program has also brought forth many opportunities to further myself outside of my education, some of which includes the ability for me to do mission work during the school year.”
Lily added,
“Davey Friedrich was by far the most wonderful archery coach that I have ever had. He was such a blessing and helped me with the mental game of archery. While I was facing medical issues in my early years of high school, he was one of my best supporters, and instead of giving up on me, he helped me overcome the challenges before me. He not only helped me become a better shooter, he taught me so much about the world and myself. He taught me that I was stronger than my pain and trouble. In band, I had some wonderful drumline friends that truly formed me into who I am today. Noah Holmes and Hanna McDonald were my section leaders during a time of great stress in my life. Despite my life outside of school, they gathered me in as family. They were my inspiration and rock through music and education.”
Medical issues forced her to step away from archery and the band, and she missed being part of both. Despite dealing with that adversity, the support from her fellow archery teammates and band members didn’t waver at all and they are still doing that to this day.
“I will always miss the opportunities that I lost when I had to step down from them both. After facing medical issues in my early high school years, I was no longer able to carry my drum or pull back my bow as well. I can’t help but think of the friendships and memories that could’ve been made during those times but just weren’t possible anymore,” Hasting said. “My friends that I made in both truly were my rock during my recovery time. I had back surgery in ninth grade, which put my schooling and social life on hold. They were there for me every step of the way and celebrated my ‘little wins’. Whether it was my first days back to school, good doctor’s reports, or my first days trying to practice archery or music again, they supported and pushed me to the best of my ability. To this day, they still lift me up in prayer and support me through the challenges of having spinal issues.”
Lily made so many great memories during her time as an Eagle, but she wanted to mention one in particular that really stood out to her.
“One of my most recent and favorite high school memories was from this past week at our graduation practice. It was the last time we were all able to gather together without all of the stress and crowd of graduation, and it was honestly bittersweet. I haven’t been very active on Vinemont since my time at Fast Track begun, but I have been flooded with memories of my classmates this past week. As I sat alongside my classmates at practice, I thought of how much we’ve changed so much over the years. I thought back to our childhood dances and classroom parties in elementary school. I thought about all the COVID jokes in seventh and eighth grade. I thought about how in ninth grade, we all were ready to graduate, and now it’s actually happening. I thought about all those we’ve lost and gained over the years. I thought back to my sweet friend, Chris, who we lost way too soon in middle school, and all those who’ve joined our school since that will never have the joy of meeting him. As I was flooded with all the memories, the good and the bad, I was so thankful for every single person around me. At the end of practice, I was able to stand in the middle of my classmates and pray for each of them. I asked for the Lord to bless each of them and to be with us all, which is most important.”
Being at Vinemont really changed her life, and she will deeply miss being an Eagle in August.
“Vinemont is like a big family. It is home to many Christian and wonderfully minded individuals that make up our staff and faculty. Vinemont has a wide range of students, those from different backgrounds, and those who have different dreams,” she said. “I will always remember the wonderful teachers and staff who have shaped me into who I am today. I will miss those who have supported me over the years and the sense of belonging I have when I enter certain classrooms across campus.”
Lily shared some advice with the students that are starting high school in August and any students that are wanting to get into the Fast Track program.
“Do not forget where you’ve come from. Do not forget how far you’ve come or what you’ve had to overcome. And most importantly, don’t forget who helped you to get to where you are today. Remember how the Lord has blessed you and put you where you are for a reason, alongside certain friends, families, and situations. Every season of life has a purpose,” she said. “It was very important to me to be a positive role model to those around me. I have experienced hurt and tried to find the joy and hope in the wrong places growing up, so I hope to show others a different pathway. I pray that my life can be a light for the Lord and proof of the change He can make in someone’s life. I hope that I have been an inspiration to the younger kids. I have been very visible in my church life and have participated in the children’s ministry at different parts of the year. I hope that I will inspire them to trust in the Lord and have a wanting to learn more about Him.”
Hasting earned multiple scholarships, including one from UAB. She feels blessed to have God in her life, and she shared a couple of favorite Bible verses.
“I received three local scholarships for community service from local clubs and businesses. I also received the Presidential Scholarship from UAB. It was definitely a blessing, and it gave me a sense of relief. I have a lot of schooling ahead of me, and the Lord has blessed me with some wonderful people and opportunities to be able to afford my education,” she said. “God has been number one in my entire life. Without Him, I wouldn’t even be here. 1 Corinthians 15:10 has been a remarkable verse to go by over the years. It shows and reminds me that the Lord has created me for a purpose and reason. Acts 1:8 has shown me so much of the love God has for us and His people. It teaches how He wants us to share His word to every nation, which is why I am passionate about mission work.”
Lily was in the National Honor Society, and she had a blast being a part of a great club. She wants people to remember as someone that sought to help other people.
“The club brought a lot of structure to myself and on campus. It also helped me learn how to make connections with many different businesses in the community,” she said. “I hope that people will remember me for the love I have for others and the Lord.”
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