Natalie Waite

Within the mountainous ride that is high school, it is so important to have that one special friend you know you can confide in. Lucky enough, my friends and I have senior Natalie Waite. Easily one of the friendliest people you will ever meet, Waite’s loyalty, trustworthy nature, and selfless attitude shines through within everything she sets her mind to. 

As the President of Human Rights Club (HRC) and co-Senior Representative on the Band Leadership Team (BLT), Waite has emulated leadership skills all throughout her high school career. 

“Natalie improves every group she’s in merely by being a positive and compassionate person,” senior Nina Stepaniants, a member of HRC and co-Senior Representative on the BLT, said. Within HRC,  Waite is ”the one that gets things done and comes up with lots of creative ideas.” 

Similarly, both Waite and Stepaniants have played integral parts in the music program since their days as freshmen. Last winter, the pair led the seasonal music ensemble, Holiday Winds, to their victory against the rival Holiday Brass ensemble. 

“Her commitment was a contributing factor to our success,“ Stepaniants said. “She brought a positive attitude to every rehearsal and tirelessly worked to support the winds.” 

Additionally, Waite emulates her countless leadership qualities as a TA in Mr. Ray Werner’s Outdoor Education class. 

“She is willing to share stories, thoughts, and volunteers to ‘go first,’ which sets a fantastic tone for others to follow.” Werner adds that Waite “has the ability to relate to peers and adults in a warm, supportive manner,” which is a rare and valuable trait among high school students.

Waite’s “contagious smile,” as Werner describes it, is something that we see so little of in times like this, and sometimes, it can be a guiding light through a rough storm.