Garrett Class of 2025

Where are you from?
I am from Shelby County; I used to go to Southwestern Jr./Sr. Highschool, a small rural school on the outskirts of the county.

How did you first hear about the Academy?
I actually first heard of the Academy through an Instagram ad, and then I fell in love with it after doing more research.

What made you decide to apply?
I was hastily losing advanced classes that I could take at my old school, so I decided to apply due to the course catalog. Many of the courses, like Multivariable Calculus and Physics C, really enticed me into coming to the Academy. Along with the courses, the community that I experienced when I first visited was simply remarkable. Everyone was super friendly, and I instantly knew that the Academy was where I wanted to be.

What is your greatest memory (or favorite thing) about your time at the Academy?
My favorite part about the Academy is simply the environment. First of, the people here are amazing, and it’s very apparent that we all truly care about each other. Everyone is very friendly, and it’s very easy to just go up to someone and strike a conversation; I’ve had some of the most interesting conversations here with people that I may have otherwise not spoken to. Along with the people, the campus environment is beautiful. Some of my favorite memories being here are simply walking to a dining hall with my friends because of how wonderful this campus is.

What are some of your extracurricular activities?
I’m just going to provide a list of all of my extracurriculars and some of their descriptions for this one so that they are neatly laid out:

Vice President of the Indiana Association of Student Councils
The Indiana Association of Student Councils (IASC) is a nonprofit organization with the goal to instill leadership in students across the state. We host various workshops across the state and the Student Council State Convention throughout the year. The purpose of these events is to help teach students how to be leaders; we do this through activities, speakers, projects, and more. We also fundraise for Riley Children’s Hospital and encourage member schools to do the same. This is my second year as Vice President and my third year on the committee. During my positions, I’ve seen and planned six workshops and two conventions, and we currently have two more workshops coming up in December and our convention coming up in early March. Along with our usual activities, we also have a Statewide Project that councils will participate in. The past few years, our project has been environmentally related, but I am currently developing our new State Project that I look forward to announcing soon.

Garrett’s Photography
On the more local side of things, I run a small photography program. The goal of my program is to help make photography, especially senior photos, more accessible for everyone. I take free photos for people both in and outside of the Academy. This is my fourth year doing photography and my third year doing senior photo photography.

French Hornist
I’ve played the French horn for about six years now. Over the years, I’ve had opportunities to play with the Indy Symphonic Band, Region and District Honor Bands, and currently I play in the Burris/IA Wind Ensemble.

Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, I help oversee and manage the production of the book and train newer yearbook members.

Sources of Strength
Sources of Strength is a mental health focused organization with the goal to help raise awareness and teach healthy habits. As a member, I help develop programs and create bulletin boards to do so.

Peer Assistance Program

Show Choir

Math and Science Academic Team

Physics and Chemistry Tutoring

Ambassador Program

How has the Academy prepared you for life?
Being at the Academy has taught me to be very independent. Because of my workload, class schedule, and extracurriculars, I’ve had to learn how to effectively manage my time. The Academy has also helped me become more confident in myself, both in and out of the classroom.

What are your plans after graduation?
After the Academy, I plan on attending a university – I don’t know where yet – and majoring in astrophysics. I want to go into astrophysics research as a career, but I would also like to eventually become a professor.

Anything else you want to share?
My time at the Academy has truly been the best part of my life and has allowed me to grow substantially. While at the Academy, I’ve had the chance to meet many amazing teachers that care so deeply about their students. Not only do they care about their students, but they also go above and beyond to show it through their teaching, many of them dedicating time to help students outside of the classroom.