Huntington senior becomes valedictorian despite setbacks
CHILLICOTHE — Huntington senior Breeann Minney is excited to be walking across the stage to receive her diploma this year, however, one of her biggest supporters won't physically be there to cheer her on as she lost her father just months before graduation.
Minney is an active student who has participated in band, drama, the National Honors Society and art club over the years. She is also the valedictorian of this year's graduating class, something she is extremely proud of.
When she was in middle school Minney remembers her being announced as having one of the top GPAs of her grade and ever since then she has worked to maintain a high status while in school.
While she does this for herself she said it also felt good being able to make her parents proud. Minney said her father, Larry, had found success in life through his hard work, by opening Larry’s Mobile Auto Service in Chillicothe, she said he never obtained great academic success. She hoped that she could instead reach those goals for him.
"I thought it would be so cool for him to see me graduate as valedictorian," said Minney.
As she continued in school both her parents supported her while she worked to reach her goals. When her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer everything in her life changed for the family. He would eventually die from his diagnosis in January of this year.
"I could not have asked for a better dad," said Minney. "I don't think one exists."
While it was difficult losing him Minney said she worked hard and used the support of her family to continue reaching for her academic goals. She was able to use her grief and turn it into strength. She hoped to show herself and others that setbacks are not a stopping point and that she could succeed despite the odds stacked against her.
After graduation, Minney plans on attending Shawnee State University for graphic design. She is excited to be able to pursue her passion for creating art and making a career out of doing something she loves.
"I've pretty much been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil," said Minney.
While she has dabbled in different styles throughout her artistic journey she mostly enjoys drawing people or personified objects with pencils. She recently did a series where she took the solar system and drew them how she thought they would look if they were human.
With the challenges she has faced this year she is walking away from high school stronger than she thought she was, Minney hopes to carry that strength with her as she grows to remind herself she can do anything she sets her mind to.
Huntington High School seniors will be graduating on May 19.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Huntington graduate shows herself and others she can accomplish goals
