Destiny Meador, daughter of Andrew and Vaia Meador, sister to Sky, granddaughter to the late Roger and Nancy Meador, and granddaughter of Leonidas and Ann Moutsiakis, has been accepted at Cornell University.
In Destiny’s Valedictorian speech, she expounded the idea that there’s a “magical” feeling and power achieved from setting goals, approaching them with passion and determination, and then realizing them – especially through obstacles – and cautioned against self-imposed limitations. She said, “The highest potential of people CAN be reached and it’s an amazing thing – a freedom of sorts, that everyone has…” Concluded by “… I want for you guys to go into your futures with a secure, positive outlook on success and happiness and to be inspired to discover and delve into your passions. It’s what keeps you young. The happiness and success that comes from passion and determination is the food of life and I want your guys’ lives to be a feast! So, have a wonderful graduation Class of 2018!”
This set of values progressed into a desire for rigorous education. She was the first student in the seventh grade in WV to take high school credits via the WV Virtual School system via coordination and observation by the WV State Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Campbell, and Principle Kim Falls of TVEMS. Her success opened the door to other students statewide and earned her an invitation to the WV Student Voices Panel at the WV Statewide Technology Conference to present her experiences with the virtual school system.
Meador’s use of virtual classes allowed her to take the record number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes at TCHS. With seven AP classes and her high scores in all her classes,She finished her high school career with a 4.187 cumulative GPA and an impressive SAT score of 1450. She received the award of “AP Scholar with Distinction” from the College Board for passing 5 AP exams with an average of 3.5 and a minimum score of 3 on all AP exams.
By taking advantage of programs from Marshall University, WVU, Governor’s Honors Academy, and Governor’s Entrepreneurship camps – she earned 18 college credits! With her AP exams and college credits. She graduated with 52 college credits.
She’ll study Plant Sciences – focusing on genetic engineering and plant pathology and intending to double major in Applied Economic Management (Business Administration). She was made a Fellow of The Cornell Tradition program – a distinction only 4% of Cornell’s undergraduate population receives. Applicants are selected “who demonstrate significant work experience, a commitment to campus and/or community service, and academic achievement.”
She plans to return to West Virginia schools to encourage students to consider Ivy League colleges. A student advocate from Harvard had come to TCHS a few years ago and this encouraged her to seriously consider Ivy League colleges.
