Florence High School’s top graduates to pursue medical dreams

BY emilY hilleY-SierzChula HERALD CORRESPOnDEnT

Florence High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2023 each are community-oriented women, which is why it seems natural that both will be pursuing their dreams in the medical field where they can help others.

Valedictorian Truth Strong will be attending Angelo State University to become a nurse.

“I plan to do an internship as soon as possible to get experience in the nursing field and to find my passion,” she said. “I’m excited to become the person that God has called me to be. I’m looking forward to the freedom and independence that college brings to a young adult.”

Salutatorian Emily Gann soon will be a Baylor Bear, which is a stepping stone to becoming a neuropsychologist.

“At Baylor University, I plan to major in neuroscience and then I’d like to attend graduate school to study either neuroscience or psychology,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people with ailments and the brain has always interested me.”

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Throughout high school, Strong could be found at the lake hanging out with friends and bonding with family.

“I’m very family-oriented, which is the greatest blessing because my relationships with my family members are so strong,” she said. “They’ve been supportive of everything I have and haven’t yet accomplished.”

One particular family member influenced her in more ways than one.

“My brother was the salutatorian for the Class of 2019, which inspired me to accomplish the same academic award; but of course, I had to one-up him,” Strong said.

Strong said that her family has encouraged her to succeed.

“My family has always pressured me to get the best grades I could and to never slack off and this has made me a better student,” she said. “My mom has supported everything I do and she’s also supported me in my mental health by allowing me to take breaks, be a teenager and make mistakes. She helped me through everything and this was the biggest blessing I could have asked for in the midst of struggles during high school.”

Strong made great memories along the way.

“My most enjoyable moment in the entire four years was my senior prom,” she said. “We made memories to last a lifetime and danced our hearts out.”

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Gann, a cheerleader, also has kept busy as a member of the Future Farmers of America, FHS Student Council, National Honor Society and Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

“I loved being a part of these organizations because it allowed me to discover myself, branch out and learn valuable life skills,” Gann said.

She’ll be moving to Waco, but Gann forever will cherish her memories of Florence High School.

“The best part about high school was all the lake trips and laughs me and my friends experienced,” she said. “I appreciate every lesson in high school that’s prepared me for what is to come. My thirst for knowledge and ambition is what helped me obtain my goal of becoming a salutatorian. Now I’m excited about making lifelong friends throughout my time in college.”

Of course, even a smart and driven person can’t do it all alone.

“I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family and the sacrifices they have made,” Gann said. “They’ve always praised my hard work and dedication. Because of this, I strive to be as loving and strong as my mom and as funny and ambitious as my dad. I pushed myself harder than anyone expected to obtain my goal of becom-