By Caitin Wolfe
DouglasNow.com
Lilah Dixon, a 17-year-old Coffee High School senior and 2023 Salutatorian, has big plans for her future after graduation. Lilah has been accepted into the University of Georgia and is planning to study human development and occupational therapy. When asked if being at the top of her class was a goal she had set for herself, she stated, “Not entirely. I just wanted to do the best I could.”
Taking several college classes and a grand total of 14 AP classes, Lilah says juggling her school, work, and extracurricular activities was not always easy. When she wasn’t in class, studying, or working at Danny’s Pizza, Lilah was also taking part in numerous extracurricular activities like Student Council, National Honors Society, FCCLA, Know Your Worth Organization, Chick Fil A Leader Academy, and football and basketball cheer.
According to Lilah, her reason for possibly choosing human development and occupational therapy as a career choice hits pretty close to home. She states that not only does she have family members with disabilities, but she also sees how they have struggled through those disabilities over the years. By taking on this career and working with disabled children, she would hope to make their lives easier and more comfortable. With that being said, setting a goal for your future and career path after high school isn’t always easy. “I just want to find a job that I really love doing for the rest of my life,” says Lilah.
When asked if she will miss Coffee High School, Lilah states, “Yes. I started tearing up thinking about how I’m going to have to leave here in 2 weeks.” She says she will miss her teachers, like Mrs. Wade and Mr. Minchew, who according to Lilah were “always so helpful.” Some other things Lilah is sad to leave behind are her friends and, of course, cheerleading for Coffee High School.
Regarding advice she would give to upcoming high school seniors, her response is, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” According to Lilah, reaching out to teachers and counselors is a key factor in getting the extra help you need for your senior year. She states, “There are resources like tutoring that you can use for any subject. Balance your time but don’t miss out just because you’re focusing on school. Make sure you go to everything you can.” In other words, states Lilah, it’s great to focus on school, but don’t let the year pass you by without soaking in everything you can.
Lilah will graduate from Coffee High School on Saturday, May 27, 2023 as Salutatorian of her class.