Sophie Schneider has been recognized as Valedictorian for her exemplary effort as a student in her years at Clover Hill. Schneider earned the title because of her exceptional work ethic, which has allowed her to earn the highest grade-point average (GPA) in the class of 2026. 

Sophie Schneider currently works at Bark and Sparkle, a small business that offers grooming services for dogs. She rock climbs competitively, often traveling for her competitions. At Clover Hill, she is heavily involved in the arts and with the Latin club. Schneider expresses her gratitude for the impacts these activities have had on her. 

“[I’ve gained] friendships for sure. Building relationships with people has probably been the biggest thing. Also, gaining self-confidence and experience. I’ve had all around good experiences,” Schneider said. 

Schneider describes how she has come out of her shell and grown as a person from the start of her high school journey. 

“My biggest struggle was becoming more outgoing, talking to more people, and getting through presentations in class. Those are some things that I’ve been able to improve on,” Schneider said. 

As noted by her art teacher and National Art Honors Society sponsor, Rachel Principe, Sophie displayed incredible growth from her freshman year. 

“She’s always been a little quiet and to herself but she’s just more self-assured of who she is and I think she’s confident in general … I’ve seen her blossom into herself. She’s got her own artistic voice, she’s got her passions and her visions of what she wants in the next few years,” Principe said.

Sophie is described as a kind person with a calming, encouraging presence that brightens the room. Latin teacher Lexi Harrel has had Sophie in her class for three years; she appreciates Schneider’s uplifting nature.

“She is a very calming presence, she’s very laid back and really encouraging and very sweet. She says kind things, she helps her peers whenever there is a moment to help. She serves her community, she’s always helping out in the art department,” Harrel said. 

Although academic success has been great for Schneider, she sees equal importance in balancing her personal life and school. 

“The biggest thing has been letting little things go and not letting myself get so caught up in school that I’m not living my life. And so, I prioritize being happy and living my life and my hobbies over anything that’s going to stress me out. That’s gotten me through school, I haven’t gotten too focused on academics, obviously to a certain extent, but not letting it control my life to the point where I’m unhappy in other areas,” Schneider said. 

Schneider sees the importance of living in the moment, she provides advice to other young people on how to take advantage of their opportunities. 

“Live in the moment, live your life! Do things, say yes to things. Go to all the activities, hang out with your friends. Don’t let school control your life. Commit yourself to school but don’t let it have control of your life and let it negatively impact you. Have that separation,” Schneider said. 

After she walks the stage at the Siegel Center, Schneider will be attending Appalachian State University on a full ride scholarship and she plans on majoring in Sustainable Development, concentrating in Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology. Although she will be nearly three hundred miles away, the community at Clover Hill High School will leave a lasting impression.

“[The community] is one of the biggest things I love about this school, I feel like here there’s so many little communities, people are overall very supportive; in the arts, and sports,” Schneider said.