Senior Gracie Padgett is ready to start a new year where she works hard to find out what she wants to do. She is looking towards her future and is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead in her senior year.

“I want to find my independence,” Padgett said. “I want to find the comfort in knowing I’m going to be somewhere in the future, and that I’ll be happy.”

Though she is not currently involved in any extra-curricular activities, she is looking for something new to try.

“I’m hoping to start up kick-boxing,” she said. “I’ve heard it’s really fun and I need some exercise, so I’m hoping to try that.”

Gracie wishes that she had been able to come to Darlington sooner into her school career. Gracie’s Darlington experience has been some of the best two years of her life. After being unhappy during her freshmen year, she transferred to Darlington as a sophomore where she has made incredible friends and memories.

“When I came to Darlington, I just felt like I had found my place,” Padgett said. “I had found a place where I could learn and be challenged and feel comfortable enough to get involved by playing sports or going to football games. I have enjoyed RUMPUS and Light the Lake or really any of the events where the whole Darlington community really comes together.”

Gracie wishes that she had been more involved in the Darlington community, and not been so intimidated to get involved and speak out.

“It takes me a while to open up, but I wish it hadn’t. I think I would have made even more wonderful memories had I been more open and more willing to go outside of my comfort zone and attend more school events,” Padgett said.

If she could give one piece of advice to her fellow seniors it would be this:

“I just want everyone to remember what’s important,” Padgett said. “We’re often so worried about our appearance or our academic standings, but I want us to remember that we need to be there for each other and we should focus on making everything we do count. We should be kind to one another, and welcoming, and friendly.”