Top Robbinsville students reflect on unusual senior year
Robbinsville – Karlyn Matheson and Lexy Daniels lead a Robbinsville High School class unlike any other.
The respective valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2020 can hang their graduation caps on a bright future ahead following perhaps the most unpredictable senior year in history.
“At first, it seemed like we were only going to be out of school for two weeks,” Matheson said of the initial closure on March 14, which seems like a lifetime ago. “I was convinced we were going to go back, and even when he (Gov. Roy Cooper) pushed it (the start date back), I was still hopeful we would go back.
“I thought we were going to have prom, all the banquets and graduation. It would have been so much fun. Sometimes it didn’t feel real, but then reality would kick in. Everyone says the last three months of high school are supposed to be the most fun, but we didn’t really get to have that.”
“It first felt like a vacation,” Daniels admitted. “But it definitely wasn’t. It honestly took me a long time to process it and get upset over it.
“I thought we would get to come back and do everything we wanted to do, but when I found out we wouldn’t get to do that, I was really sad.”
Still, the pair are looking at the optimistic side of a unique situation, as they – along with the rest of the seniors – begin the next chapter of their lives following the graduation ceremony Saturday.
“We’re both going five hours away,” Matheson said. “This (the school closure) has allowed us to spend more time with our families and friends because we may not be able to come home as much.”
Karlyn Matheson
The daughter of David and Kim Matheson, Karlyn recognizes the prestige of the distinction bestowed upon her.
“It’s a very big accomplishment,” Karlyn said. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for, for a really long time.”
A native of Graham County, Karlyn spent her entire high school career on the Lady Knights’ volleyball team – where she was named the captain her junior and senior years – and played varsity basketball for three years. Karlyn has also been a member of the Robbinsville High HOSA Club since her freshman year – where she served as vice president the last two years – and was a member of the student council throughout high school.
Over the last two years, Karlyn has participated in both the Summer Ventures for Science & Mathematics program at East Carolina University, as well as the Governor’s School of North Carolina.
Karlyn received the Pack Scholarship from N.C. State – a full ride, with opportunities to study aboard mixed in, valued at $111K – where she will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, with a minor in global health.
The pre-med track will open the door for careers in family medicine, OB-GYN or general surgery. That’s quite the departure from her original choice: practicing law, which changed after she took a pre-requisite health course her freshman year.
“No matter which three of those I do, I want to come back (to Robbinsville). There’s no healthcare here,” Karlyn said.
As valedictorian, Karlyn was quick to put over her peers as the Class of 2020 prepares to go its separate ways.
“Our volleyball team won conference for the first time in 37 years. Our football team won a 14th state title, and Nathan Fisher won an individual (state) title in wrestling,” Karlyn said. “But we also got a substantial amount of scholarship money. We’ve accomplished a lot in the past four years, and I’m proud of everyone.”
Lexy Daniels
The daughter of Jesse Daniels and Malina Adams, Lexy echoed Karlyn’s sentiment about being at the top of the ranks.
“I feel just like she (Karlyn) does,” Lexy said. “It’s a big accomplishment, and I’m really proud.”
Also a Graham County native, Lexy was a three-year basketball player and has been a member of the Robbinsville High HOSA Club since her freshman year. She was also the vice president of the school’s Crusaders program this year, which helps raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Lexy was awarded the Carolina Covenant Scholarship, which will give her a full ride to UNC-Chapel Hill. She is also a Golden Leaf Scholarship recipient ($3,500), a Elda C. Penny Graham County Women’s Club Scholarship winner ($1,000) and a recipient of the Hagan Scholarship, which will allow her to study aboard and sets her up with a $10,000 Schwab account.
Psychology is the field Lexy will pursue at UNC. After graduation, she hopes to take the skills acquired to Knoxville, Tenn. Why psychology? Simply put, “I have always been interested in it.”
Still, with all the big plans ahead, Lexy will forever cherish her time at Robbinsville.
“Thank you for all the memories we’ve made together,” Lexy said in a thought directed at her classmates. “I wish you all the best in the future.”