When she sat down and was asked to reflect on her time here at KO, Senior Samantha Almedia’s final piece of advice was to continue to try new things.
After only joining the KO News in her junior year, Sam had a lot to learn, and a lot to learn quickly. Her story is unique among the majority of her fellow graduates: she never took English teacher Cathy Schieffelin’s journalism course, the required course to be an editor on the paper. But that didn’t stop her, as she held a position as one of the paper’s iconic columnists.
Specializing in op-eds and reviews, you could always count on finding an article about a popular NFL team or on the latest movies that hit the big screen. One of her favorites is her controversial—to some—piece on the Cowboys. “I had been waiting for the right time to write it for nearly a year,” Sam said. “There is almost nothing I love more than hating the Cowboys, and I was so happy to spread that opinion.”
As Sam reminisces on her four years at KO, she notes that one of her favorite experiences was junior prom. While most proms, if not all, are themed, this prom was especially special: with the night being designed after a Casino, tables of blackjack and poker were found all around the floor. “Though I made quite an earning at the poker table,” Sam said, “I nearly lost it all at blackjack. Still, it was fun to lose with friends and whilst having an amazing time.”
At the College of William and Mary, Sam plans to major in history, using the knowledge she developed in history teacher Peter Jones’ AP U.S History course – a favorite of hers – on her journey. Additionally, adding on a language in her junior year – according to her, just for fun – and trying out a new sport her senior year, Sam is certainly the well-rounded student-athlete that KO is thankful to graduate.
To finish her final words of wisdom, Sam says, “Don’t put yourself in a box,” and based on her high school experience, I think it’s safe to say that whatever she says has certainly worked for her.
