Q. What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A. I’m lucky to have been the guard captain for the Dallas High School Marching Band the past two years, so I’m proudest of my fellow guard members. All of them put in so much time and effort into becoming skilled spinners, and the energy they brought to every practice and show made this past season my favorite! I’ve also had the honor of receiving the Student of the Year Award at my dance studio. The award is presented annually, with the previous winner passing it on to the new recipient. My duo partner won the year after me, so I got to hand the award to one of my best friends!
Q. What were your most rewarding school or community activities?
A. I’ve been dancing at the Back Mountain Dance Studio for 15 years now, so it’s practically my second home. I made many
Abbie Coy
Abbie Coy and her family live in Dallas. SUBMITTED
of my closest friends through dance, and I’ve had the honor of dancing with some truly amazing performers. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor younger dancers, and watching them learn and grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Dance has allowed me to develop both physical and mental skills, and provided me with a close-knit community like no other. No matter where I go in life, part of my heart will always be at the studio.
Q. Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
A. I’ve loved reading since I was an elementary school student, so I typically have my nose in a book during my free time. I mostly read fiction, but I’ve recently dug into some interesting nonfiction and historical texts. I also love going on walks with my dog, Winston. He’s 10 years old, but still energetic and playful! Spending time with friends and family is something I greatly value, so we usually plan something every weekend, like going to the movies or having a game night.
Q. What are your plans after high school graduation? Why did you choose this path?
A. I’m committed to Tufts University on the pre-veterinary track, and I plan on becoming a veterinarian. My love for animals, problem-solving skills, and desire to make the world a better place led me to my passion for veterinary medicine and interest in that career path. Two summers ago, I was lucky enough to shadow Dr Kutish at the Wyoming Valley Veterinary Hospital, which really solidified my love for veterinary medicine. I plan to specialize in zoological medicine in hopes of working with endangered species.
Q. What do you see yourself doing and where do you see yourself living in 15 years?
A. I see myself working as a zoo veterinarian at a large facility, and collaborating on species survival plans for endangered animals. I’m not sure exactly where I’ll end up, but I’ve always been interested in the Columbus Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo because of their highly successful and well-known breeding programs. No matter where I end up, I’d like to start a family. Managing a career and a family is difficult and tiring, but the fulfillment it brings is more than worth it. I’d also love to run my own sanctuary someday, but the extreme financial burden of running one makes that dream a little harder to accomplish.
Q. Whom do you most admire and why?
A. I admire my parents the most. They worked hard to get into a good college, then worked to save enough money to pay their loans off within a year of graduating and buy a house shortly after. I plan on following in their footsteps through a work-study program and academic dedication. They also placed a lot of importance on balancing their careers with family life, always making sure they were there for my brother and me.
Q. In a sentence, what is your philosophy of life?
A. Life is what you make of it – so try to find joy in every moment, every opportunity, every connection you have!
Q. Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is …
A. … how I see the world. Everyone has a unique perception of this world, and that’s easy to take for granted. Whenever life gets me down, I try to remind myself how amazingly unique my experience is, and that always fills me with an appreciation for the world around me.
A Little About Abbie Coy
Hometown: Dallas
Parents: Joshua and Kristina Coy
Some of her honors: AP Scholar with Distinction Award; National Honor Society
Some of her activities: Class officer; Science Olympiad; Marching Band/Color Guard; Color Guard captain; Student Ministry Club; Newspaper Club; Theater; Radio Reading Club
Some of her athletics: Dance, studying at Back Mountain Dance Studio
Some of her community service: Peer tutor; volunteers through church and Boy Scout Troop; Radio Reading Club, recording voiceovers of articles for a broadcast service for the visually impaired and homebound
Her nominator said: Abbie is a strong academic student with many strengths, and is one of the best students I have taught in years. She works well with other students and is a very pleasant person, and there is no doubt she is ready to succeed.