Scituate High School students and teachers recognize senior Natalie Naylor as a role model student, a devoted member of her community, a genuine friend, and a passionate person in everything she does.
I spoke to Naylor about a wide variety of topics–including her present and future goals, the value she places on her relationships, and her advice for Scituate’s youth.
As a senior, Naylor acknowledged her high school experience played a pivotal role in shaping her early success. Being the intelligent person she is (although she may not openly admit it), you can find her participating in student council meetings, editing articles for the high school newspaper, or volunteering at Scituate’s local nursing home. According to Naylor, these activities have “enabled” her to learn a wide variety of leadership skills–such as “compassion and sympathy” for those around her and “overall humility.” Spending time with people of different ages and backgrounds has always been important to her.
Above all else, Naylor is most proud of her success as editor-in-chief of The Scituation. She stated, “Journalism is my way of contributing to democracy.” Naylor believes she has made most of her friendships by speaking to as many people as possible: “It has always been important to me to speak to people with different opinions than my own. I believe that is what contributes to a strong society,” she commented. Naylor said that during her junior year, she won the “Thoughts on America” speech competition–an academic achievement that highlighted the benefits of diverse opinions and perspectives in America.
Unsurprisingly, when asked about her goals for next year in college, Naylor said, “I hope to continue to be a very active citizen. I really am excited to use my voice for new causes.” At SHS, Naylor has participated in many clubs–including Model UN, the LIGHT Foundation, the Language Honors Society, and the Principal’s Advisory Council.
Naylor thanked SHS history teacher Richard Kermond and English teacher Cathy Hall for inspiring her to be a better person. She said, “They teach their classes in reflection of their own experiences. Their commitment to their students is constant and is inspiring to so many students here at SHS.” She added, “They remind me always to treat others with respect–regardless of disagreement. Both teach with a strong sense of respect for everybody in the classroom.”
Besides being an exemplary student, Naylor is an honest and loyal friend. Longtime friend and fellow senior editor Lexi Washburn described Naylor as an “incredibly smart and hilarious person.” Washburn remarked, “Natalie is genuinely one of the funniest people I know,” adding, “her balance of academics and extracurricular activities is so inspiring to me and many others.”
Naylor’s close friend, senior Clare Kennedy, remarked, “Natalie’s work ethic has inspired me to accomplish my own goals.” She mentioned that Naylor “is someone students at SHS can always look to as a leader, and she deserves to be recognized for that.”
Outside the classroom, Naylor is an enthusiastic lacrosse and field hockey player–athletic opportunities that have given her “a strong platform to become friends with younger students.”
Naylor said that another one of her high school career’s greatest accomplishments was prioritizing her attendance: “I reminded myself every day that ‘showing up’ is essential to success,” she said. She also noted that the relationships she has at school have inspired her to show up every single day–to school, to volunteering commitments, to sports–you name it–Natalie will be there.
Looking ahead to 2024, Naylor is excited to embark on her college career. Describing her senior year at SHS as a “bittersweet time,” Naylor commented, “There have been a lot of ‘lasts’ this year, but it’s time to move on. I’m ready.”
A reliable source of laughter and support to her friends, Naylor’s comedic side was most notable during our interview after being asked, “What do you wish for Christmas this year?” She responded, “An acceptance letter and Crest whitening strips!”
Lastly, Naylor has a message for her younger peers at SHS. When asked to offer advice to younger students, she said, “It is so important not to take things so seriously. Have fun! Talk to as many people as you can. Get involved.”