Senior Grace Novitsky has accomplished many things in the last four years of her high school experience, within her education and the many school activities she participates in. She has been heavily involved in Raider Nation, as well as sports, including volleyball and softball. Even with these activities, Grace still accelerates in school and makes lasting memories and friendships.
During her years at Bellefonte High, she has fallen in love with sports and art. With volleyball being very close to her heart, she has created some of her most valuable memories here, including dancing with her teammates on the bus rides home. She tried various art classes throughout her four years, but Wheel Throwing and Ceramics takes the top spot.
“I love Wheel Throwing and Ceramics, and I am also involved in both varsity and club volleyball, as well as varsity and travel softball.”
Grace is also an active member of Raider Nation, and will miss dressing up for themed nights and having a good time at the football games, cheering on the Raiders on the field.
“I will always hold the memories of football games. Dressing up for all the games and the car rides to away games will always be special memories for me,” Grace said.
Grace plans to major in marketing with a minor in art, but she is currently undecided at where this will be. Yet before she leaves, she wishes to share a message for the underclassmen.
“My advice for underclassmen would be to take your school work seriously the entire way from freshman year to senior year, and also, don’t take any of that time for granted because before you know it you are trying to decide which college to go to,” Grace said.
Business teacher Mr. Ryan Myers has had Grace in class and has also worked with her in FBLA at Bellefonte High.
“Grace is great to have in class. Her creativity really stands out in everything she does. I also really appreciate that she acknowledges my bad jokes,” Mr. Myers said.
He remembers the moments when Grace really used her problem-solving skills toget through school work and how she looks at the bigger picture of situations.
“Grace really thinks outside the box. She tries to find a unique angle on difficult problems. I also think she’s very perceptive and sees the big picture and what people want or don’t want. She’ll be amazing in business in the future as uses this skill,” he said.
He recalls moments in class when she would stick up for her opinions and the way she fought for them.
“One thing I will always remember about Grace is how adamant she gets about her point of view. She gets her hands going and pokes fun at people that don’t agree with her like they would have to be a complete idiot to not side with her,” he said.
Senior Katelyn Packer, a longtime friend of Grace, holds this memory close to her heart, as the two have grown up together.
“My favorite memory with Grace has to be one from when we were little. While we were in St. John’s, we would go caroling every winter around the holidays. We would be paired together, and one time it was especially icy. All of a sudden I fell, as she describes ‘like a cartoon character.’ We have continued to talk and laugh about it to this day,” Katelyn said.
She is a strong advocate for Grace and what she has done for Bellefonte these last few years. She has left a huge mark on the community, and people’s hearts.
“I feel all of the things that Grace put herself in for the school have allowed her to leave an impact. She is active in the community and has left her imprint in the things that she has done, for example, being Raider Nation head. When she leaves the district, her impact will stay in Bellefonte,” Katelyn said.
Senior Jacob Corman, a longtime friend of Grace, has spent much time with her, from pickleball to FBLA. They have kept their friendship close.
“My favorite memory with Grace would be the countless hours we’ve spent playing pickleball together, the many adventures we’ve had, all of the FBLA trips, and the many competitive volleyball matches we’ve had together. Grace’s competitive nature and sense of humor makes every moment with her enjoyable and a fun experience,” Jacob said.
He believes Grace has done a lot of valuable things for Bellefonte High, and it will continue to live on after she graduates.
“Grace’s impact on this school has been nothing less than impactful. Her determined, competitive, and caring personality has allowed her to excel in the many things she does around Bellefonte. Watching her be so passionate about a sport while also showing the same passion in a club such as FBLA, shows me the type of leader and impact she can leave. Her humorous personality also makes everyone be able to enjoy the experience around her,” Jacob said.
