Q: Class Rank?
A: 10th
Q: Parents?
A: Ray Pellegrini and Marissa Stewart.
Q: Future Plans?
A: Attend Oswego for graphic design.
Q: Honors & Awards?
A: Art award (9th grade), high honor roll (9-12), St. Bonaventure Scholarship (11th grade), Livingston County Teen Recognition Award (12th grade).
Q: Activities & Sports?
Varsity soccer, winter cheerleading and tennis.
Q: What’s your proudest achievement from high school?
A: Making it in the top 10. Since freshman year when they announced the top 10 of the senior class, I knew I wanted in. I worked on my grades every year, and each time I went into the counselors for my new schedule I was stuck at 12th in the rankings. I didn't know I had made it until the announcement happened and I didn't even hear the first half of the names called, but sure enough I had made the cut.
Q: What will you miss most about school?
A: All the people that I met at school - whether they are in grades below me or in my class.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in high school?
A: In high school I learned that grades are not everything, you have to learn to accept what you tried for, and to have a good balance between school and a social life.
Q: What do you hope your life looks like in 10 years?
A: I hope to have finished my degree and am working at a solid job where I can support myself.
Q: Who inspires you to do your best?
A: My dad inspires me to do my best. For me he is my biggest role model and teaches me almost everything I know. Although I learn academics in school, my dad has taught me some of the most important life lessons and skills that I will need to know for when I am on my own, but he will always be there to help me when I need it.
Q: What’s your favorite place in Avon?
A. My favorite place in Avon would have to be the village. It is where I live, the location of the Village Restaurant, the pretty lights around town, and is within walking range to the school as well as McDonalds.
Q: If you could tell your 8th grade self one thing, what would it be?
A: Be yourself, but please dress better and act less weird.
Q: What do you want people to know about what it’s like to be you?
A. To be me in this moment is thrilling and stressful. I am about to graduate, I've met my goal of high school and I am about to experience a life-changing situation.
Q: What would the title of your autobiography be?
A: “It's Been a Long Time Coming.”
Q: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
A: I would hope it would be Taylor Swift even though she is not an actress and she looks nothing like me, but if she knew who I was and everything I've been through I would die.
Q: What’s your most listened to song?
A: As of right now, "The Archer" by Taylor Swift. I believe that I resemble this song and many of Taylor Swift's songs on an intense level, and they physically give me chills.
Q: How has living through a pandemic changed you?
A: It was freshman year, the greatest year of our lives that got cut short. Before this time we couldn't be happier, I believe. The pandemic hit and was OK for a while, but then I got sick of not being able to live life normally, and even more for school. I think living through the pandemic has made me appreciate life more and the time I spend with others.
Q: What scares you about the future?
A. Starting new when I am already so comfortable. I have to move away from my family and meet new people, which I'm not the greatest at.
Q: What gives you hope about the future?
I have learned enough throughout my high school career that I think I will be able to guide myself through the future one step at a time.
Q: What’s one time you were stronger than you thought you could be?
A: During the pandemic it was a rough time, keeping a distance from everyone other than my family. The time really changed me and we didn't know when it would end. But now it has been over for a while now but still lingering, but I survived that time.
Q: What advice would you give your 38-year-old self about being a good parent to a teenager?
A: I hope my children are not addicted to the internet or technology, and can enjoy real life. I would say not to baby them and let them get through things but also help them along the way. I would also like to teach them things like my dad did for me so they can grow with the ability to do things on their own. Being tough on your children is not always the worst thing but make sure they feel comfortable with you.