Wednesday, July 3, 2024
MANSFIELD – Growing up in a small town like Mansfield and going to a small school like Mansfield High School comes with advantages. Building strong lifelong friendships and close community bonds are among them. Those experiences have shaped the academic achievements and career choice of Class of 2024 Salutatorian Aspen Farrington.
Farrington is a 12-year senior at Mansfield High School and credits her parents for much of her academic success.
“What pushed me to strive for academic success is that my parents did not get the education they dreamed of having.,” said Farrington. “They had my brother at a young age, and they lost a lot throughout that journey in their life, which led to struggles. I always wanted to give back to my parents because they always did anything they could for me even when they did not have much.”
Farrington had struggles of her own.
“I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was eight. In my sophomore year of high school, I had to have a spinal fusion back surgery,” said Farrington. “It was the hardest thing I've experienced, and I would never wish that pain on anyone.”
Sports and FFA taught their own lessons to the academic standout.
“I was involved in FFA, cheer, basketball, and softball. This impacted my personal growth a lot,” said Farrington. “It taught me life lessons such as:
Farrington credits to both her parents and grandparents for keeping her grounded and focused.
“My parents led me along the journey and supported me in times where my goals felt unreachable. I will forever appreciate them for that,” said Farrington. “My nana and papa made sure to always let me know when I was in the wrong and gave me advice on that. I always took that importantly because mistakes give you the opportunity to grow and learn.”
Academic consistency ranks high on her list of achievements, particularly through difficult periods,
“I'm most proud of making honor roll every year of high school and every semester. This is important to me because it was not something easy to do,” said Farrington. “Especially during Covid year it was very rough, but I know that my future depended on good grades and that's why I chose to do good every day.”
If she had a strategy to make good grades, it was simple and straightforward.
“Take notes and just get the work done,” Farrington said.
Not much room for procrastination there, and it rewarded her with an honor she values highly.
“It means the world to me to be salutatorian because I have always worked hard for my grades and they have finally paid off,” Farrington said.
Her advice to younger students who seek academic success is to fuel desire with passion.
“Whatever career goal or path you chose, chose it for yourself,” said Farrington. “By that I mean choose it because it makes YOU happy.”
As for her career plans, Farrington is heading to Wenatchee Valley College to get her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).
“I want to specialize as a labor and delivery nurse and have a financially rewarding life,” said Farrington. “Be successful enough to give back to my parents.”
Together with her parents and grandparents, Farrington singled out two teachers as special mentors for her.
“Two teachers I will always remember and hold close to my heart are Mr. (Luke) Hall and Ms. (Jamey Jo) Steele,” said Farrington. “Mr. Hall was always that teacher you could depend on to share a good laugh. He always was willing to help and make sure we were taken care of. Ms. Steele is the strongest women I know. She's always had ongoing health issues but never missed a chance to spend time with the students. She would do anything for any one of us.”
Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media
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