Introducing our Senior Spotlights for the Class of 2025! Destined for Greatness, these students have shined throughout their academic journeys, rising above challenges and embracing growth. As they share their stories and pursue bold dreams for college and career, we celebrate their resilience and the incredible potential that lies ahead. Join us in honoring the Class of 2025 as they step confidently into their futures. #DestinedForGreatness

MEMPHIS, TN (MSCS) – It is true that to some students their school is just a place where they go to learn; however, there are other students who think of their schools as a second home. This is the case for Gabrielle P., who graduated from Bolton Agri-STEM High School last week. 

To Gabrielle, Bolton High is a place that she will always keep in her heart for giving her the opportunity not only to learn and make friends, but also to have fun, be more outgoing, and meet extraordinary people like Woody Jordan, her History teacher; Delwin Benson, Education assistant and Basketball coach at Bolton High; and Kahreesha Edwards, her Cheerleading coach. 

According to Gabrielle, her teachers encouraged her to achieve her full potential by supporting her growth, development, and self-improvement. “They have always gone above and beyond, helping me stay focused, pushing me to keep going, and encouraging me to never give up. I guess what makes them have such a meaningful impact in my life is because they not only motivate me, but they motivate other students as well. That showed me that they really do care about us here at Bolton,” Gabrielle said.

Originally from Jackson, Tennessee, Gabrielle is an outstanding student who, despite her notable shyness, has overcome all kinds of obstacles to succeed and shine both academically and athletically. “The challenges that I have overcome during my journey to success are being able to press forward after witnessing my uncle get killed in front of me at a basketball game, where he came to watch me cheer during my ninth-grade year. Another challenge was watching my grandmother, who raised me, pass due to cancer when I was in 10th grade.”

During high school, Gabrielle got involved in cheerleading, track, 4H, the Student Government Association (SGA), and Legacy Builders, an MSCS program. She was also her class’ valedictorian, although she didn’t know that she was the top student at the beginning. 

“Honestly, I didn’t know I was, and I was very shocked to be. But I am actually very grateful and I thank God for it every day that I am, because I had worked very hard to be top; I made sure that my grades were always on top.” said the new Bolton graduate, whose message to younger students at MSCS is to never give up on themselves: “Never give up, no matter what. Don’t let anything bring you down, don’t let anybody bring you down. Don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do, because you can do anything in this world.”

“She is definitely one of a kind.,” stated Mrs. Edwards when referring to Gabrielle. She works hard, she is focused, she has never been in trouble. She works jobs, she comes to practice, she doesn’t miss a game. For her to do all that work and school work and become a valedictorian, she is so deserving of this spotlight.”

Gabrielle plans to attend UT Chattanooga and major in Nursing. Her dream is to become a NICU travel nurse so she can travel around the world while caring for premature and critically ill newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “I know that I can help babies (in NICU) while I am also enjoying my life (traveling); I can make sure that they are okay and that they can spend time with their families for the rest of their lives,” concluded the future college student who, besides helping babies and younger kids, would love to learn about other cultures outside of Memphis and Tennessee.

Congratulations, Gabrielle! Good luck on your journey to success and continuous excellence!