First.

To hear that one word opens brains to an infinite number of emotions which compels humans to reach for it again. 

All of her life she has been on the podium.

Fiyinfoluwa Olajide settles for nothing less; her impressive record of scholastic achievement, rising to top of the 2022 graduating class and an exceeding academic UIL competitor, has taken her to new heights.

    “I’ve been in the top 5% of my class for all four years, and I’ve been in the top ten students since sophomore year,” Olajide said. “I’ve earned the A-Honor Roll award, the Academic J award and Course Excellence awards in Principles of Health Science, [Advanced Placement] US History, AP Language and Composition, and Anatomy and Physiology.” 

    Along with her advanced scholastic achievements, Olajide also excels in the fine arts. She is an avid participant in band, [Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, Journalism University Scholastic League], and art.

    “When I take on an activity, my intention is to excel, and as a result, I’ve earned various honors,” Olajide said. “In band, I’ve received the Outstanding Soloist award twice, my ensemble has qualified for state twice, I’ve won the Most Improved Player award twice, I’ve made the All-Region Band twice, and I’ve won the Spirit of Joshua award, the John Philip Sousa award, and the Semper Fi award.”

    She has played the clarinet since sixth grade and was the clarinet section leader for the 2020-2021 school year. Alongside her excellence in the fine arts, she also excels in academic Journalism UIL. Olajide serves as the Owl Flight Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief where she has edited all of the articles written on the website during the ‘21-’22 school year. 

    “As for Academic UIL, I won first in four events at the district level and third for one,” Olajide said. “I advanced to regionals and placed third in Copy Editing, fourth in Editorial Writing, and fifth in News Writing. On [May 6], I placed fourth in Copy Editing in the state competition.” 

    Olajide’s astounding accomplishments in both the fine arts and academics has granted her a place in many people’s hearts. Although she remains humble, her hard work and dedication to everything she does is truly admirable. 

    “[Celeste Zachry] is my biggest inspiration,” Olajide said. “She’s taught me how to be the best version of myself despite what might occur around me. She’s also the reason for half of my awards, and I’m thankful to her for teaching me and always encouraging me. First place isn’t what matters to her—what she cares about is letting me unleash my full potential regardless of the outcome.” 

    As Ms. Zachry’s teacher’s assistant, Olajide has been able to devote her time to the newspaper and Journalism UIL. Even though she’s been successful, she struggled getting through high school, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. 

“My biggest disappointment in high school would be having the majority of it shrouded by the pandemic and nearly every groundbreaking moment of the decade,” Olajide said.

    Although Olajide attends high school here, she wasn’t raised in the rural town. When Olajide was young, she traveled internationally quite frequently and has grown to be well rounded from it. 

“My origin story began in the [United Kingdom], where I was born,” Olajide said. “From there, we moved to Thailand, where my sister was born. After that we moved to Texas and have lived here since.”

    Olajide makes no attempt to hide her cultural background for she carries it on her sleeve with pride. Where she has come from has taken her far—Olajide received the Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas at Dallas where she plans to study Biology. 

    “Make sure you stay true to yourself and expand your horizons,” Olajide said. “Try new things. The only obstacle in your way is yourself. If you participate in activities just to satisfy others, there’s no self-fulfillment, and frequently leads to unhappiness.” 

From the Owl Flight staff to Olajide:

“I’m going to miss you and I am so proud of you! I look forward to seeing how far you grow! There couldn’t be a better editor than you!” 

– Nick Smith 

“I’m so proud of you girlie and I know you’re going to do amazing things! Keep doing what you’re doing and have fun doing it. I love you so much!” 

– Rylie Fleming

“You create such a happy atmosphere when you walk into a room. You are so kindhearted, classy, and intelligent. There is no doubt that you will accomplish great things.”

–  Brooklyn McKinney

“You have the brightest energy and have a successful future coming your way. I appreciate everything you’ve done for our staff and for me personally. Please continue to let your light shine and grow where the world takes you.”

– Brianna Latham

“Fiyin, you are one of the most intelligent and driven people I know. You’re going to go so far in life and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish! Congratulations on graduating!!! I love you <3” 

– Khloe Rockwell 

“Fiyin, I haven’t met anyone smarter and don’t think I ever will. I am blessed to have learned from you and I hope I can do half as well as you in journalism and I know you will go on to do great things. Love you.”

– Reagan Walker

“Fiyin, I have had so much fun with you in journalism this year.  Going to state with you was definitely one of the highlights of my year.  I’m so proud of you and all you accomplished, and I know we are going to hear about so many amazing things that you do. We will miss you!”

– Caroline Moffitt

“Fiyin, I admire your talents in how hard you work for the newspaper staff and all the editing you do.  You are so very brilliant and talented.”

– Caroline Murmann, photographer