Managing Editor and Axe Reporter
Refining four years of high school into a single snapshot is no small feat, but for senior Alaya Drummond, the journey at South has been defined by a vibrant balance of pace and purpose. Reflecting on her time, Alaya notes the strange paradox of the high school experience: it feels as though she has been here forever, yet the years have flown by in a blur of activity.
A true multi-hyphenate, Alaya’s footprint at South spans from the athletic tracks to the music wing and the newsroom. Whether she was competing in cross country and track, playing in the band, participating in Spanish Club, or reporting for the newspaper, she remained deeply embedded in the school culture. Her favorite memories are rooted in the camaraderie of her teams, specifically the exhilaration of competing at the cross country state meet during her senior year.
However, the road wasn’t without its hurdles. Alaya candidly recalls the “spring squeeze”—that high-pressure season where AP tests, band festivals, and track meets collide. Among her academic challenges, AP Chemistry took the top spot as her hardest course, while AP Language & Composition proved to be her most enjoyable, offering a creative outlet for storytelling. Throughout these highs and lows, teacher Bobbie Willis stood out as a primary inspiration, known for her unique ability to remember every student’s story and offer genuine care.
As she prepares to head to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, Alaya is ready for a new adventure. She plans to run D3 track and cross country while exploring a diverse curriculum of science, Spanish, and writing. Her parting advice to underclassmen? Dive into clubs early and stay focused. For rising seniors, she offers a practical nudge: “Pretend like you have to decide a lot sooner than you actually do,” urging them to jump into the research and application process head-on.
Article by Noa Gitelson