In this edition of Humans on the Hillside, I sat down with Katie Griffin, a dedicated senior here on the Hillside. She is well known for not only her academic excellence, but her achievement in both the Sylvan Hills Band and Choir.

Despite her accomplishments such as making All-State Treble Choir last year and being named one of the two drum majors at Sylvan Hills, her humility and commitment to leadership shows through in the fact that she cites her biggest accomplishment being the opportunity to “help the underclassmen to reach their full musical potential.” As drum major, she is responsible for not just leading a great performance but forging future leaders within the lowerclassmen. “The reason I enjoy band so much is because I not only love music so much but because I get to help others to grow as musicians, leaders, and team members too.”

Senior year is a liminal space for students, an in-between of reflecting on the past but also forging a future for themselves and a legacy for those who come after them. With this in mind, I asked Katie what lesson she wanted to leave behind for the lowerclassmen. “Once I realized that the example that I set had an effect on others, I started making an effort to be the one who encouraged others, did all of my work, and went above and beyond in my activities.”

Off the Hillside, Katie is committed to her local church and serves in worship. She also enjoys reading, playing archery, and hanging out with her family.

Although her major is currently uncertain, she plans to continue pursuing her passion of music by participating in band and choir in college.