Sophie Wall, this year’s valedictorian for Bulloch Academy, has attended the school ever since kindergarten. She is the daughter of Drs. Marie and Michael Wall.
Wall says her senior year has been fantastic, although the first semester was difficult due to the workload she carried. But she calls her second semester a breeze, and says she’s really enjoyed hanging out with her friends more and not having to deal with the stress of college or high school.
Math and science have been her favorite subjects.
“Although Mrs. Burke’s math classes are difficult, I found myself able to rise to the challenge and it was really fulfilling. I also love science because of the projects we do, especially this year,” she said. “We have created so many 3D models of the bodily systems in Anatomy, which I find really fun.”
Wall says her least favorite subject has got to be English, although she has loved her teacher, Courtney Burnette.
“She does a great job, but it’s not something that interests me,” she added.
Wall is a driven young lady, and says that the possibilities of what she can achieve and enjoy in the future is what has driven her to get good grades.
“Ever since freshman year I knew I needed to build up a good academic foundation for colleges and scholarships. My No. 1 college is out of state so I knew I had to achieve high grades to get accepted. Overall, I value academic achievement as it helps me know I’m on the right path towards my career goals,” she said.
Wall has enjoyed a lot of success in high school, but points to winning the Trustees Award in the 10th grade as something that she considers to be a highlight. The award goes to the student with the highest grade point average in the high school, and until she won, Wall says she didn’t even know the award existed.
“It took me a second to realize how big of a deal this award was, and then so many people congratulated me for it. This award also helped me pave the way for the possibility of achieving valedictorian,” she said.
Along with the Trustees Award, Wall has also been a yearly headmaster student, and received Scholar Athlete recognition in the ninth and 10th grades. She is also a UGA Merit recipient. Her other awards include the East Georgia College Leadership Award, and being named an AP Scholar. She also received the Academic Charter Scholarship from Auburn University, and an academic scholarship from Clemson University, where she plans to go this fall.
Wall’s dad went to Clemson, and she says she’s grown up a die-hard Clemson fan.
“I’ve been alongside him cheering on the Tigers my whole life, especially the football team,” she said. “We’ve been to several games, and I have fallen in love with the campus. It is a staple in my family and I can’t wait to call it home for the next four years.”
Wall plans to major in Biology, and is considering the pre-dental track. Both her parents are dentists, and it’s something that she’s been around her entire life, and she says she’s “taken a liking to the subject.” She’s also shadowed at several dental practices during high school. She says she’s always known that she wanted to enter the medical field.
“I am blessed to be able to have such an upfront experience with dentistry through my parents. However, I am open to all options, in case I find that dentistry is not for me,” she said.
Wall looks up to both of her parents, and says they are the prime example, for her, of how hard work pays off.
“Along with work, they also value their family and faith,” she said. “They make sure my sisters and I have a strong relationship with God and with each other.”
Of all the things she’s looking forward to about starting college this fall, Wall says the “newness of college” is at the top of the list.
“I can’t wait to meet new people and try new things. I’m ready to expand my horizons and see what the world has in store for me,” she said.
When she’s not in school, Wall says her biggest hobby is playing soccer. She has played since the fifth grade, and says it’s just always been fun for her.
“Playing with my school also allows me to play with my best friends and there is never a dull moment,” she said.
Wall and her family also love traveling. “It is such a gift to be able to experience different cultures firsthand, and so we try to travel as much as possible,” she said.
In addition to all that fun, Wall gets down to work at Southern Family Dental. She’s grateful for the opportunity to work and learn at the dental practice, located in Statesboro.
“Dr. Walden, Dr. Strub and their entire team are wonderful mentors and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with them,” she said.
Of her high school career in general, Wall says she is grateful for all the opportunities she has had while a student at Bulloch Academy. She’s excited for her future, but she’s also excited for the future she sees unfolding for her soon-to-be alma mater.
“It gives me joy to see the bountiful growth the school is experiencing, and I hope everyone sees how impactful it is,” she said.
Wall looks back on her high school years and realizes how much she has to be grateful for.
“I have made so many friends and memories these last 13 years and will cherish them for many years to come,” she said. “I want to thank Mrs. Leisa Houghton, all the teachers and staff and athletic coaches for everything they have done for the students of Bulloch Academy. Our success as students is directly linked to the hard work and perseverance of the Bulloch Academy staff.”