For senior Haley Kiser, the last few weeks of high school are a time to reflect on one’s experiences and explore creative passions. 

     “I don’t feel that there’s one specific memory,” Kiser said, “but instead, it’s the small moments every day that make a lasting impact…like laughing. [It] doesn’t matter when or where, just laughing is something that’s always going to leave an impression.” 

     Kiser will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is majoring in pre-med and minoring in women and gender studies. Her academic path is balanced by her creativity that spills into a large aspect of her life. 

     Kiser has many versatile hobbies she immerses herself in. Art, however, has played a large part in her identity. 

     “Art has given me a sense of purpose and helped me build confidence,” Kiser said. “It’s the one thing that I can escape into and more often than not it reveals things about me I didn’t know.”

     Kiser’s art teacher, Shawn Graham, is someone she considers to be one of the most influential teachers in her high school career. 

   “I know Haley will always find success because of the power she possesses in her knowledge and the strength of her heart to not accept less than happiness,” Graham said.  

     When reflecting on her time at Tennessee High, Kiser offered the upcoming freshman class insight into what she has learned in her four years.

     “Don’t be scared. Confidence is really key,” Kiser said, “and even if you don’t feel confident, sometimes acting like you are can go a long way.”