Tiera Miller: small school valedictorian has big college plans

MANSFIELD – Tiera Miller, Mansfield Class of 2024 valedictorian, always had in the back of her mind that she might end up as one of the top scholars in her class.

“I knew my class was small (nine students) so I knew it was something I could go for.” said Miller. “I have always been in the top of my classes.”

Raised on a dryland wheat farm, Miller attended Mansfield schools for 14 years including preschool. She has an older brother who graduated a year ahead of her and is now studying at Walla Walla College to be a diesel mechanic. A younger sister will enter sixth grade next year. Asked if she needs academic prodding from older sister, Miller said aside from needing a “little push” from time to time, “she does pretty good.”

Miller said she many factors kept her focused on academics.

“Everyone has contributed to that in one way,” said Miller. “I don’t like disappointing people, so I think everything has influenced me to keep my grades up. 

Math is a favorite school subject along with another that helped outside school.

“Obviously, shop classes and Ag are always fun when you’re living on a farm.”

Miller also belonged to 4-H as a youngster and FFA in high school. She showed livestock at fairs from poultry to pigs, steers, and once even a horse. 

Miller said all her teachers were favorites.

“I liked them all for different reasons,” said Miller. “It’s kind of hard going to a small school because you really get to know everyone really well.”

Miller was a multisport athlete all through high school.

“Volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball in the spring,” Miller said.

 Mansfield athletes compete with neighboring Waterville as the Waterville-Mansfield Shockers. Sports contributed to what Miller said is her most memorable school achievement.

“We just had our sports awards,” said Miller. “Both last year and this year I was named Shocker Female Athlete of the Year.”

Sports also played a major role in Miller’s choice of a college major.

“I will be attending WSU this fall and hope to get into the athletic training program,” said Miller. “I’ll be applying for that program at the end of my sophomore year.”

Her interest in athletic training came from helping a teammate.

“I had a friend on one of my basketball teams who struggled a lot with knee problems,” said Miller, “I always liked helping her with it. One day I realized that was something I could do as a career.”

Miller said she will follow where her career leads to experience other parts of the world but would one day like to return to the closeness she feels in Mansfield.

“I don’t think I would work in Mansfield because the school is so small,” said Miller. “Maybe travel from living in Mansfield.”

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media