The term “senioritis” is a term used to describe high school seniors that have a lack of motivation to excel or perform. While this term may apply to some seniors, it certainly doesn’t apply to Wesley Drake (12), whose schedule is jam packed with clubs, sports, and academics.
“I am in four sports. I do cross country, track, lacrosse and swim. I’m a captain on cross country and track and probably swim as well. I am also president of National Honor Society. I’m in Rho kappa (National Social Studies Honor Society), Science National Honor Society, Beta club, environmental club, and Y Chapter. I’m the Y mom for Y Chapter, which is one of the chairs or officers for that club as well,” Drake said.
Drake has done cross country since she was in the third grade, and started swimming competitively around that time as well. She picked up track in the sixth grade, and started lacrosse her freshman year. She joined both y club and environmental club sophomore year, and joined the honor societies her junior year. Drake was elected president of NHS by her peers at the end of her Junior year.
“I realized that I used to be really shy, like I would never talk to anyone, but I think in the past couple years I’ve really I’ve really found my voice and found my passions, and I really enjoy helping other people, like it’s just makes me happy in life,” Drake said when asked what inspired her to become president. “I decided, might as well try something different, try something new and try something challenging.”
Her mindset of trying different things is present in Drake’s recent participation in the powderpuff football game, where she and the other seniors beat the juniors with a last minute touchdown.
“Powderpuff was an amazing experience! Being around such fun and dedicated women was truly a blast,” Drake said. “I am so grateful I got to become closer with them while also supporting an amazing cause!”
The Drake family has a history of high involvement in the school community. Drake’s sister Daria (class of ‘24) was also involved in many sports and clubs during her time at Atherton. Her younger brother Griffin Drake (10) is very involved as well. In order to manage their hectic schedules, Drake and her family have to work together.
“Just like talking to my family and organizing things out, well, just really helps,” Drake said.
Drake believes that being organized is a key part of success.
“I say definitely get a planner. A nice paper planner is how I always do it. It’s really hectic, but it works,” Drake said.
As for what motivates her, Drake said that she’s always tried to find something she’s good at, but realized she was good at a lot of things.
“And I mean, it’s about having fun, and I have fun with everything I do,” Drake said. “Why live life while you can? Because, I mean, I don’t always know if tomorrow’s promised.”
Mr. Tucker, who sees IB diploma candidate Drake twice a day for Theory of Knowledge 2 and IB Senior English, said that she is a fantastic student, and he appreciates her dedication to her work and peers.
“I know that as a leader, especially in the different sports that she plays, she has many responsibilities,” said Tucker. “It’s so impressive to me that she’s able to balance everything as well as she does.”
For anyone looking to create an impressive resume like Drake’s, her advice boils down to one trait: kindness.
“If you’re looking for leadership positions, just be a good person for, like, people to come to and be open about just about everything and be nice to people,” said Drake. “That’s how you get a lot of places in life, and life is better when you’re nice to people. It’s not very fun when you’re mean.”