Meet the Valedictorian: Corey Terrell

Published 1:45 pm Monday, June 3, 2019

George Rogers Clark High School Class of 2019 valedictorian Corey Terrell said he’s overwhelmed with emotions as he finally bids farewell to high school.

“It’s exciting, scary,” Terrell said. “We’re all moving onto the next step.”

Terrell, 18, plans to take a gap year before attending a traditional university. Instead, in the fall, he will travel to France to attend the Institut Catholique de Paris to study French.

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During high school, Terrell, who was also the senior class president, served in Y-Club, Young Democrats, Beta Club and even took dual-credit classes at Eastern Kentucky University.

He said he’ll miss the camaraderie among students the most.

“After high school, you don’t have the same kind of connection,” Terrell said.

One of his favorite memories in high school was a day in macroeconomics, during which the class seemed to have forgotten the lesson plan; instead, they engaged in a passionate discussion about politics.

Terrell said his time at GRC taught him to have a strong work ethic. Advanced Placement classes, dual-credit courses and more filled his schedule.

“I learned you have to work hard to get where you want,” he said.

That’s part of the advice he leaves for underclassmen. As his dad says, “Work hard, play hard.”

“You have to work hard in the classroom and get good grades, but at the same time, you have to play hard,” Terrell said. “Be a high schooler. Have fun … go to football games … but still, focus on school at the same time.”

Terrell said he’s looking forward to seeing what happens in his classmates’ lives.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how everybody is going to pan out,” he said.

Terrell said, he hopes they never forget their roots, though.

“Remember where you came from, and don’t forget where you’re going,” Terrell said.

As for his future, Terrell is uncertain.

“If you would’ve asked me nine months ago, I would say I wanted to be a politician,” Terrell said. “But that’s somewhat changed. Right now, I don’t know. Maybe engineering. Maybe politics. That’s part of the reason I’m going to France. Maybe I’ll figure that out.”

In 10 years, Terrell said his only plans are to be happy.

“I want to be happy and surrounded by people I love whether that’s in Winchester or halfway across the world,” he said. “Only time will tell.”