We asked stand-out student, Kendal Davis, to reflect on her journey growing up in Decatur and attending Decatur schools.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood in Decatur?
Some of my favorite childhood memories in Decatur would have to be going to Point Mallard during the summer with my siblings and having fun at the old Morgan County Fair with family.
What schools did you attend, and what stands out most about your experience in Decatur schools?
I attended Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, Austin Middle School, Austin Junior High, and Austin High. Decatur schools always created a comfortable learning environment in the classroom, which allowed me to receive the best education from my teachers. The schools also implement a block system that really helped with optimal learning and preventing burnout, since you could experience new classes every other day.
Were there any teachers, coaches, counselors, or mentors who made a lasting impact on you? How?
Definitely. Ms. Myatt was my English teacher during my junior and senior years at Austin High School. She was the most selfless and hardworking teacher I had ever had. Her encouraging attitude helped me find an appreciation for English and caused me to step out of my shell.
What extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, or organizations were you involved in?
I was involved in National Honors Society, English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, ambassadors, Key Club, and Reading Cafe.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time as a student?
During my time as a student, my proudest accomplishment was becoming valedictorian of my class and being named Student of the Year. It definitely took a lot of hard work and sacrifices, so I am extremely proud that I could achieve those accomplishments.
What opportunities through Decatur schools helped prepare you for life after graduation?
I was able to be a part of the Launch Internship through the Decatur City Schools Foundation. Through this program, I shadowed many nurses in different specialties and observed various surgeries in Decatur Morgan Hospital. During this program, I was able to experience how having a career in healthcare would be, and it really strengthened my desire to pursue medicine.
What lessons did you learn in Decatur schools that you’ll carry with you into the future?
In Decatur schools, I learned the importance of community service and helping others. Through my participation in certain clubs, I gained many volunteer hours through tutoring and serving others in the community, such as the Kiwanis Pancake Day. These experiences definitely shaped my ability to lead and help others, and I will always carry that with me.
What are you most excited about as you begin this next chapter?
As I step into this next chapter, I am most excited to explore my interests and to gain connections in a new city. Also, I am looking forward to discovering new things about myself as I enter adulthood.
If you could thank one person or group who helped you along the way, who would it be and why?
If I could thank someone who has helped me along the way, it would be my parents. They helped me in any way they could, and they made endless sacrifices to get me to where I am today. Also, my mom and dad taught me to always have faith in Jesus in every situation, and that lesson carried me throughout high school.
What makes Decatur feel like home to you?
Decatur has a cozy, small-town feel to it that makes it feel like home. Also, the close-knit communities and parks help the city to be very welcoming.
Fill in the blank: Decatur is Positively ________________
Decatur is Positively Unique!
