In every school, some students stand out from the crowd, not just for their academic achievements but also for their ability to lead, influence and connect with others. Senior Amy Renwick is one of those individuals who surpasses the requirements for the student standard thanks to her grades, leadership, involvement and work ethic.
Renwick’s journey at Edmond Memorial High School started the same as every high schooler, going through freshman year, but her previous schooling experience was a little different. Moving to a new school, state or even country can be a daunting task. Renwick had to experience all the above right before beginning her high school career, moving from Australia to Houston, Texas. She then moved back to Australia before finally settling in Edmond, Oklahoma. Despite the obstacles she has faced with these abrupt changes, Renwick is still making her high school experience one to remember.
Since Renwick has been in band since fourth grade, she was prepared for success upon joining the high school band as a freshman. She made the Central Oklahoma District Association band and the EMHS Wind Ensemble on French horn during her freshman year in band. Now, as a senior in band, she has learned some takeaways from staying in the activity.
“You must be committed, disciplined, resilient and push through anything,” Renwick said. “I have also grown a community with band, so that has become an important part of my life in high school.”
She has done four years of CODA, three years of All-State and has been an EMHS wind ensemble member throughout her high school career. Renwick was also the mellophone marching band section leader for two seasons. Through band, Renwick has been able to stay involved with the school and represent EMHS with the outside-of -school activities band requires.
Being in band is not the only way Renwick is involved; she is a second-year member and secretary for the EMHS Key Club. Since becoming the Key Club secretary her senior year, she has met new friends through the club and helped with many events that help the community.
“I want the people that are officers [to also be] good students and a good person,” Key Club adviser Maddie Hendricks said. “She went to events before she became an officer and that is how I knew she would be a great officer.”
Renwick views Key Club as an important program to participate in during her high school years. By helping the community, it makes her feel better about herself and how she can contribute to the environment.
“I think helping the community is very important,” Renwick said. “It is crucial to have a good society, so volunteering and helping out as much as possible is something I view as a necessity.”
Renwick has done many new things her senior year, some being Key Club secretary and a member of EMHS Health Occupation Students of America, which is an aspiring health profession club, one more is becoming the senior class president. Emily Busey, the senior class officer, helps manage the senior class and oversees Renwick’s senior class president duties, allowing her to see Renwick’s positive attitude and effect on the school daily.
“Renwick is always willing to step up and help with whatever needs to be done–no matter how difficult the tasks,” Busey said. “She represents our school and senior class through her attitude and the way she approaches people.”
When becoming the senior class president, she needed to model leadership. She seeks to do this by being a friendly person to everybody she interacts with.
“I strive to be someone who is approachable so that people feel comfortable with coming to talk to me,” Renwick said. “I aim to talk to my peers thoroughly to get to know them. I do this to show and demonstrate the importance of sincerity and care.”
Another way Renwick has a positive high school experience is through her academics. She views grades and classes as an important part of life, and this sets her apart from many other students.
“First there is mental [health] and overall health then my school comes next,” Renwick said. “I always study and ask questions in class, to make sure I understand, then I study to harness that understanding.”
Renwick has seen many rewards from taking academics seriously. Renwick has received the AP Scholar Award, has been part of the National Honor Society for two years and has received the Superintendent Honor Roll award for three years. Hendricks, who also teacher AP biology, had Renwick when she was a junior.
“In class, she always answers questions when I ask them, which is great,” Hendricks said. “Not only does she answer the questions but when Amy does not fully understand something, she is willing to ask, whereas other students typically are not because they are worried about asking a question.”
Another part of Renwick’s school life is how she interacts with teachers and peers. She views it as important to give respect and be a team player during school to have great academic outcomes.
“Building relationships with teachers and other students is very important to being successful because if you have a good relationship with your teacher, they can trust you and that creates mutual trust,” Renwick said. “Developing mutual trust is something I see as necessary to become successful in school.”
Throughout high school, Renwick sees being involved, having a great attitude and keeping your education well as the priority. By leaving her mark on the EMHS campus, she will continue to do this through her years in college and future workplaces.
Contact Anna Vitiello at [email protected]
