Sophia Arnold, a senior at Hidden Valley High School, is excited to graduate and begin a new chapter. Arnold has attended Hidden Valley since her freshman year in 2021.

She has been playing volleyball since seventh grade at Hidden Valley Middle School and continued her volleyball career throughout all four years of high school. With the Hidden Valley volleyball team winning back-to-back state championships, Arnold made a significant impact as an outside hitter.

“I am most proud of this extracurricular,” Arnold said. This memory and accomplishment will be something she always remembers.

“My favorite memory throughout high school is beating the Cave Spring football team my freshman year and getting to storm the field for the first time,” she said. During the 2021–22 football season, Hidden Valley posted a 7–4 record, making it a memorable year to attend games as a freshman.

Teachers have also made a meaningful impact on Arnold’s journey.

“Dr. Neale has always been there for me, whether it’s for support or helping me through things,” Arnold said. She noted that having supportive and understanding teachers helps make school more enjoyable and leaves a lasting impact.

Arnold offered advice to her younger self about managing academic stress.

“The stress of school and assignments is not worth it,” she said. “It’s important to be worried about your grades, but don’t get too overwhelmed.”

Arnold will graduate from Hidden Valley on May 27 as a valedictorian and a member of several clubs and honor societies. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina in the fall.

“I am really excited about getting to go to a big school and being a part of a sorority,” she said.