photo credit: Gracelyn Quaye
Look, it’s a bird! It’s a plane! No it’s Gracelyn Quaye!
While comparing a high school senior to a make-believe superhero may seem just a tad hyperbolic, Quaye is no regular high school student. She’s currently in the top five percent of her grade and has taken 15 AP courses throughout her high school career. I guess anyone could call her a super-woman.
“I find it satisfying to challenge myself, whether it’s course load or new activities because I may learn something useful or interesting. Also, because I’m very competitive and kind of see it as a challenge. Although it’s a cliche, I really believe that knowledge is power. Not just taking school classes but finding something you think is interesting and exploring it,” Quaye said.
While being academically successful is no small feat, Quaye has much more to boast about. She’s currently the co-captain of the school’s congressional debate team and went to the state competition after placing second at the district meet last season.
“I first joined debate because it seemed it would be a great opportunity to have since I wanted to go into law,” Quaye said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to exude confidence and practice public speaking. I also have learned how to help lead and coach others. I’ve definitely used these skills outside of debate in my daily life. I’m very thankful for all of these experiences.”
Aside from being occupied with debate most of the school year, Quaye is also the leader of two other student clubs at the high school; she is the president of Black Empowerment Club and the vice president for Face2Face.
“I’ve been in [Black Empowerment Club] for three years, and it’s the club that has truly been a monumental experience for me. It has helped me feel confident in my identity, and I’ve made so many amazing connections and memories with friends. We’re also fortunate to be the only school in the district with a Black History Month assembly during school,” Quaye said.
Alongside her other previous accomplishments, Quaye truly showcases that she is the definition of a well rounded student. She has played lacrosse since seventh grade and has been on the school’s varsity team since her sophomore year. She also has been playing the cello for the past eight years and is in the school’s chamber orchestra, the highest level orchestra, for the past two years.
“She is kind simply to be kind. She has authentic respect for her peers and adults in her life. Gracelyn is very intelligent while also having an incredible work ethic, which is so rare and hard to beat,” Library Media Specialist Glenn Nunn said. Nunn has known Quaye since her sophomore year AP Seminar class.
While such an obviously busy day-to-day life would take a toll on most people, Quaye thrives. The reason for this is because she carries a genuine care for every single task she completes, whether it’s homework for her AP Statistics class or helping an underclassman with their speech for a debate competition.
“It may be a basic answer but my father is a huge role model for me. He’s always encouraged me to challenge myself and to also have empathy. I really believe empathy and kindness has helped me become a better leader and friend. The other people I’ve looked up to have definitely been upperclassmen I have met and even some of my friends,” Quaye said.
Quaye aspires to be an attorney and strives toward that by following her passion of civic engagement. She was a part of the Buckeye State Girls conference this summer where civic duties and lessons on local and state government were taught and volunteered at the polls during elections.
“I am excited to see the impact she makes on the community and specifically the influence she will have on a new generation of girls. Gracelyn is a strong, smart, independent, driven woman. So, no matter what arena she decides to step in, I know she will always make a positive contribution because that is simply who she is,” Nunn said.
While she may not actually be a superwoman, Quaye has the dedication, passion and kindness to fulfill any role she desires, which will continue to happen even after high school.
“My biggest piece of advice is to not care about what others are doing or saying about you. Comparison truly is the thief of joy, and as long as you do things you like that’s all that matters. Next, I would encourage people to find something that they are truly passionate about and explore more about that. Whether it’s a specific subject, club or random curiosity— stay curious and challenge yourself. Not everything is about academics,” Quaye said.
