Hailey Parker
Age: 17
School: Columbus Signature Academy — New Tech
Parents: Ross and Corinne Parker; grandparents: Karl Nading, Charles and Tamara Parker, Kathy Schooler; siblings: Abigail Parker, Ross Jr. Parker, Jaxon Parker and Lucas Parker
Which elementary and middle school did you attend?
Southside Elementary and Central Middle School
What’s your favorite class or part of the school day, and why?
My favorite class of the day is criminal justice, which is my first class. I love the teacher, Mrs. Thompson, and I love the content we cover. I am very interested in all of the criminal justice career fields.
In which extracurricular activities, including music, sports or clubs, do you participate?
I am an active Police Cadet for the Columbus Police Department.
When you’re not in school, what’s your favorite place to be, and why?
When I’m not in school, I love to be downtown so that I could explore more about Columbus.
What has been your greatest high school memory so far, and why?
My greatest high school memory was from last year. My teacher from my physics class had a vacuum board that we could ride down the hallway to test friction. It was so interesting that we were having fun while taking data and our principal even participated in the ride. I think it’s very important for the principal and facilitators to be involved in classroom things, which is what I experience at CSA.
What are you looking forward to after graduation?
I am looking forward to going to college and attending the Indiana University police academy so I can increase my knowledge and experience to go into the police force.
Who in your life has inspired you or whom do you look up to, and why?
I look up to my papaw, Karl Nading. He has been the reason I push on to make good grades and be the best me I can be. He has been through so much and he is still pushing through and being happy even at 71 years old. Every time I see him I get happier because I know I am making him proud and that makes me happy.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned during, or from, high school?
The most important thing I have learned from high school is to be yourself and don’t be afraid to be different. Everyone has different personalities but so many are scared to show who they really are. I’ve learned that you are much happier and much more successful if you be true to who you are.
Draw a picture, write a poem or create something that represents you. It can be anything you choose.
“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.” — Mario Fernandez
