After four years of exploring different paths at Rock Hill, senior Victoire Mande was surprised to find herself sitting among six students honored with the school’s highest award. Chosen by her fellow peers and teachers for her strong character, Mande was awarded for her display of integrity throughout her journey.
When Mande first started high school, she didn’t necessarily focus on winning awards.
“Well it wasn’t really something I highlighted to accomplish,” She said, “When I started high school I wanted to try many things.”
Knowing her teachers and fellow students had voted for was something unexpected.
“It felt kind of funny at first.” She said. “You don’t even know who nominated you, but after you win, people start telling you they nominated you. And it’s like wow. That’s how they saw me.”
Overtime she began to understand the true meaning of integrity.
“The definition is staying true to your morals. But to me, it is also to always be there, showing that you’re putting effort, and bringing your own personality into what you do.” She said, “Being accepting and staying true to yourself is important.”
In addition to her core studies, Mande also found purpose in unexpected places, such as tech support for theater, in the kitchen in Culinary Arts, and through service roles in Student Council and the Key Club. Activities that helped shape her into the person she is today.
“I think I showed integrity by being involved in many curriculars and clubs that have nothing to do with my major. It changed my perspective on life and how I’m going to act in society after leaving high school.”
Now, as a graduating senior, Mande plans to spend a year at community college before transferring to a university to continue on her pre med track. Carrying the values of integrity and self growth along with her.
“You don’t stay true to your principle only in school but also in society, because school is temporary and you’re going to go out into the world, but you have to stay honest and true to the principle that you follow.”
Being one of six students in the entire senior class selected made this moment even more meaningful.
“It’s Rock Hill’s biggest award, and the fact that our photos will stay there a whole year after we leave, even after we graduated, the freshmen that are coming are going to see a picture. They’re going to read the description of integrity and know what you did. Since there are [photos] in the parking lot, people are going to pass by and they’re going to see what you did. So you kind of leave a part of yourself in the school even after leaving.”
