Timberlake valedictorian headed to UI to major in Spanish, biology
Brian Walker | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 1 month AGO
SPIRIT LAKE - Hailey Knox will take on her post-graduation plans sooner than most.
The Timberlake High valedictorian, who plans to attend the University of Idaho this fall to major in Spanish and biology, skipped the first grade so she's younger than almost everyone in her senior class.
"I won't turn 18 until this December," she said.
Knox, who was a National Merit Finalist this year, said she hopes to attend medical school after her undergraduate studies to become a doctor.
"I think being a doctor would be an extremely rewarding and interesting job, and I think it's the kind of thing I would be good at," she said, adding that she's leaning toward becoming an oncologist.
"My dad was diagnosed and treated for cancer last year - he is cancer free now, thank goodness - and that got me interested in the field."
She envisions traveling to developing countries with other doctors to provide medical care to those who need it through an organization such as Doctors Without Borders.
"I think that being in a field that is constantly changing and gaining new developments would be extremely interesting, and I also think it would be so rewarding to be able to treat and possibly get rid of people's cancer, just as my dad's doctors did for him," she said.
Knox took Spanish all four years in high school and believes it would be a worthwhile language to learn as she'll likely use it later in life.
Knox participated in several activities in high school. She was a varsity cheerleader all four years, on student council, a Tiger mentor, National Honor Society, Tiger TV and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).
"I loved being involved in my school, so I participated in a lot of activities throughout my high school years," she said.
She was class president her freshman year and secretary her senior year.
"I loved student council because it taught me how to work well with other people and how to handle a lot of stress," she said. "Being involved in it creates a lot of responsibility."
Knox recently got a job as a hostess at Red Lobster.
"I plan on working there over the summer and saving my money for college," she said.
Snapshot
• Favorite books: The Twilight series books by Stephenie Meyer because they are fun and easy to read, and I like to read them over and over. I also love "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck because it is so intricate and symbolic. I like "The Last Child" by John Hart because it is extremely well-written and captivating.
• Movies: "Father of the Bride" (parts 1 and 2) because they are such happy and funny movies.
• TV series: "Gilmore Girls" because it reminds of me and my best friend.
• Hobbies: Spending time with my friends and family, reading, snow skiing during the winter, water skiing during the summer and going to the beach.
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