Prepare yourself; this will sound like bragging, but I promise I have a point. (The question as to if I have a social life may arise after you read all this but rest assured, I do.)
I write, photograph, and sell advertisements for our school newspaper (The Panther). We have won countless CSPA and NSPA awards which are all stored in a small room we call Narnia. We do not look hang them up for the world to see: we create our publication because we love to, not for the recognition. I am co-president of a program founded right at Palmetto called Eight Habits of the Heart, in which we speak to Freshman on early release days. Our lesson plans teach kids to be more rounded individuals and to embrace and support each other. I am vice president and public relations manager for DECA, a nationally recognized club. We brought PantherTalks and AdoptARoom to Palmetto this year. I am on the swim team. We are district ranked and act as a family. I am a member of Sandy Hook's Start With Hello. We encourage kids to recognize and help each other so no one is left behind. I am Homeroom representative. We raised hundreds of dollars for UNICEF. I am an AP student. We are AP students.
I am not a member of our HIP program, which is a health class taught by students for students. I am not a member of our Television Production crew, which brings us our morning announcements and foster's the annual Mr. Panther event that gathers money for charities. I am not a member of our award winning yearbook staff. I am not a member of our state placed Model United Nations club. I am not a member of the other 80-something academic, educational, competitive, and recreational clubs my school has. I am not a member of our OJT program, which helps students find stable, proffesional jobs. I am not a member of the other tens of sports my school has. I am not a member of the School for Advanced Studies program. I am not a member of the Cambridge program and I am not a member of the iPrep program.
But your child can be.
All these opportunities were given to me by my counselor, teachers, and peers. Thanks to them I have a job as well. Palmetto prepares you. Don't believe me? Ask student Kevin Galante, a professional photographer. Ask Jeff Bezos, the creator of Amazon. Ask Jerry Kolber, the creator of television show Brain Games. Ask student Jake Hodges, the owners of Hodges Tactical.
Palmetto not only encourages, but actually helps its students achieve what it is to be well-rounded. Of that, I am proud.