Tharptown Valedictorian: Klaudia Harris

Klaudia Harris has been a Tharptown Wildcat ever since first grade. When she graduates this week, it will be as the valedictorian of the Tharptown High School Class of 2017 – fulfilling a goal she has harbored since elementary school.

“I like being No. 1,” Harris said. “I’m very self-driven and motivated, and I know what I’m capable of. I’m the type of person who gives 110 percent on everything.”

In addition to her intense focus on academics, while in high school Harris has been an active student athlete in softball and basketball and has also been involved in FBLA, National Honor Society, SADD, 4-H and Junior Civitan. She has also cultivated a passion in meteorology and considered it as a career path.

“Klaudia is very smart and has an outgoing personality. She has natural ability to learn, which will be a tremendous asset in college,” said Tharptown teacher Bart Moss. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Harris will pursue a degree in pharmacy, starting at Northwest-Shoals Community College and continuing to either Auburn University or Ole Miss. Although she is looking forward to the new adventure of college and adulthood, she is reluctant to leave Tharptown.

“I really like this community. It’s my home,” Harris said. “It’s very family-oriented … It’s just a really nice place to be. It’s just home.

“I’m really going to miss being here … It’s bittersweet because I’m ready to go but I don’t know what’s to come in the next few years, and I know exactly what happens here. I guess that’s the scary part because I don’t know what the future holds.”

Harris is the daughter of Jason and Brooke Harris and Jill and Chad Boatwright.