STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL

Amelia Gomez describes herself as always having been “very academically motivated.” Before her time at SCHS, the “eclectic, witty, and dedicated” lifelong learner attended Bailey Elementary and Tomlin Middle schools.

The daughter of Mario and Kari Ann Gomez also has an older sister, Mary. Together they enjoy “random activities and the occasional trip to the Universal Studios amusement park.” One thing she loves about living in Eastern Hillsborough County is being “surrounded by strawberry fields and when it’s strawberry season, you can smell them by walking outside.”

Amelia’s club, leadership, and extracurricular involvement has included: Chargerthon, Florida History, National Honor Society, Leo Club, Junior Class Council (Secretary), Senior Class Council, Key Club, Film Club (Secretary), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and FFA (grades 6-12). She has received the following certifications: Agriculture Associate, Agriculture Systems Associate, and Animal Science Specialist (will graduate as a Certified Veterinary Assistant.

Amelia is also passionate about dancing, a hobby she enjoys both recreationally and competitively. She’s competed for eleven of the seventeen years she’s taken lessons. Styles she’s studied are tap, clog, musical theater, ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary.

Careerwise, Amelia hopes one day to be a cinematographer for a major motion picture company and travel with her work, filming in various locations around the world.

Amelia credits friends to her success as valedictorian, saying: “No matter what crazy task I wanted to take on in school, I always had a friend by my side to do it with. My friends have always been a big part of my support system to help me, offer advice, pick me up on bad days, and even listen to my endless rants and rambles. They have made the not fun classes fun. Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

And she would offer the following suggestion to other peers. “Do not stress. If it’s really something you want and believe it’s within reach, then give it your best and go for it. High school shouldn’t be a stressful journey, but one you can look back on and be proud of your work while also knowing you enjoyed a good time throughout those years.”