On Friday April 24, Senior Karis Liao stood in the arena, being recognized for the excellence that has defined her time at Walnut Grove.
“My teacher obviously nominated me, he loves to brag and show off his students, which is not terrible,” Liao said. “I think the orchestra can be overlooked, and he wants to put people out there.”
Liao was surprised to learn she had received A L.E.A.D.E.R.S award, commending her for excellence.
“I didn’t even go to the rehearsal,” Liao said. “I had a friend come tell me, ‘you’re one of the 7 you definitely have to go.’”
The L.E.A.D.E.R.S award, a 7 part accolade, is bestowed to 7 seniors that demonstrate the school’s’ values. Loyalty, empathy, accountability, determination, excellence, responsibility, and selflessness.
“It’s a huge achievement,” Head Counselor Debra Hurbough said. “These kids represent the best of the best.”
At first, Liao was unsure about what being a L.E.A.D.E.R.S recipient meant.
“Honestly, I didn’t know much about it at first,” Liao said. “Thinking about what it means, especially with excellence, it’s seeing every opportunity you have and taking it.”
That mindset has been shaped by her years in music. As a senior in the WGHS orchestra program, Liao has spent years in orchestra and related music programs, building on earlier experience before joining the school’s program.
“Ever since I joined in sixth grade, I loved it. And I started going outside of the school orchestra, and then we moved and I joined this orchestra,” Liao said. “It was definitely different. Mr Henson has a lot of quirks, and he gives the orchestra a lot of opportunities.”
One important influence has been her piano teacher, whom she has studied with since she was four years old.
“I’ve seen her weekly for lessons and each week she just gives me the encouragement I need,” Liao said. “Seeing her excel in her music career has inspired me not just with music but in how I don’t have to be great at everything.”
To Liao, the opportunities she found in high school, especially through orchestra, pushed her to improve.
“High school has given me many opportunities, especially through orchestra, that have encouraged me to push myself and reach this point,” Liao said. “I don’t see myself as perfect or always on top of things, but I am grateful for the external support and opportunities that shaped me.”
Music also taught Liao how to handle pressure.
“When performances go wrong, especially on stage…it’s a lot of pressure,” Liao said. “But you just strive through it and once you make the mistake, you realize you have to try your best.”
Looking ahead, Liao hopes to inspire younger students and continue music in college as a non-major with plans to study animal science on a pre-vet track.
“I have many friends that aren’t graduating this year, and I hope to come back and see that they’ve done a lot of great things as well,” Liao said. “I hope to continue to do what I can in those kinds of areas.”
For Liao, the award reflects more than one achievement. It represents the lessons she has learned
“I don’t have to be perfect at everything I do but, I can still be great.”
