Annabelle Highberger, a senior at Hidden Valley High School, plans to move to Philadelphia shortly after graduation on May 27 to pursue a career as a tattoo artist.
Annabelle has attended Hidden Valley for all four years of her high school career. She joined the Mighty Titan Marching Band in her sophomore year as a band manager and later expanded her involvement by joining the Titan Color Guard during her junior and senior years. One of her favorite memories is from this year’s band camp.
“It was pirates vs. princesses night — that day was fun,” she said.
When reflecting on those who influenced her most, Annabelle named her art teacher.
“Lots of staff members had a massive impact on me, but the one that stuck the most was my art teacher, Ms. Frohock,” she said. “She is one of the kindest souls I have ever met, and she has always been there. She’s super encouraging and supportive.”
When asked what advice she would give her freshman-self, Annabelle responded with gratitude for her growth.
“My advice to my freshman self would be that she shouldn’t have changed anything,” she said. “She didn’t do great in school to begin with, but she pulled it together, and I’m sure she’d be stoked to know the person that I am today. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t change a thing because those mistakes helped me to grow.”
Annabelle plans to stay in touch with friends through phone calls and social media and hopes to visit Roanoke often to see friends and family.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They’re a great support system,” she said. “I will be sure to check up on my friends. If anyone needs anything, I hope they know they can rely on me. I’m always happy to help.”
Looking ahead, Annabelle is excited to have more time to explore her interests and enjoy her independence. She’s also looking forward to moving to Philadelphia and deepening her understanding of tattoo artistry.
“As someone who loves art, I definitely can’t wait to have more space to try out different mediums,” she said.
Beyond school, Annabelle is most passionate about art.
“While there aren’t many high-paying careers that go with it, I still want to pursue what makes me happy,” she said.
She hopes to one day support causes related to animals, people in need, and the environment.
Annabelle’s favorite book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
“It’s such a beautiful story, and I feel for the main character in many ways,” she said.
Her favorite movie is WALL-E, which she’s loved since she was a child.
“I love the images, the story, how it shows the impacts of overconsumption and what it could do to us as a society,” she said.
If given the chance to have dinner with any historical figure, Annabelle would choose Edgar Allan Poe.
“I used to read his poems and short stories as a kid, and I always thought he was cool,” she said. “I feel like he would have so many deep insights on life to discuss and would make good conversation. I’d also want to take him to Taco Bell — I think it would change his life.”
Annabelle summed up her passion simply:
“Art has always been a huge part of my life since I was little. I would love nothing more than for it to be a part of my life forever.”
