This is such an honor to be getting this award as my years at Summerville high school were so memorable and such a huge part of my life.
I had gone to a private school through eighth grade and when I first entered Summerville High, I felt like the opportunities were endless, it was a whole new world. I played volleyball, basketball and softball all four years of high school. I also was part of the original “Jazz at Eight” and show choir and I also enjoyed fine art classes all 4 years. As far as academics, I had all of your basic courses and some honor English classes as well as Spanish. I was drawn to art and other classes and teachers knew I needed to be involved to be successful. All of these activities are what kept me striving for more in my academics and they kept me motivated and accountable to do well.
Aside from sports and music, I was very involved with the student council and one of the highlights of my high school memories was being rally commissioner with my best friend, Jennifer Garrison Sledge, who is another Hall of Fame nominee this year. It’s only fitting that we did everything together all four years of high school, she is still my best friend and here we are again sharing this amazing award together. Being rally commissioner was probably my favorite aside from playing volleyball and softball in high school. I loved being able to get everybody excited and when we were all able to share in that school spirit, that is when I felt alive and part of something great!
Back in the late ’80s, we would paint that big rock when you’re driving into Summerville high school and I’ve included one of those photos. It was a peaceful rivalry and rite of passage into your senior year. At one of our yearly rallies, we were able to have a large bonfire at night before a football game and that is another one of my favorite memories which I know we aren’t able to do today but it really was such a fun tradition.
Over the years, I entered many different art contests and received awards throughout the school and our community. I had the honor of being team captain and receiving all-league awards in volleyball and softball. When I look back, being a part of a team, working together, competing, and sharing these accomplishments together are what shaped and influenced my personal journey as an adult. We have a special group of friends that are still in touch today. When I look back, we shared so much and there’s something about these friendships where it feels like it was just yesterday when we are all able to get together and visit and reminisce today.
My goals were to head to a four-year college right after high school. I was able to play on the first Columbia College Volleyball team and then continued to play in a travel league for a few years. I was attending junior classes here and there. I met my husband back in Sonora, we started a family and we now have three amazing children, these children are what truly changed me, this is when everything shifted When my youngest was starting kindergarten, I decided to head back to school in my late 30s. I still could not get away from volleyball and started coaching again when my daughter was in fourth grade. I was able to coach high school and travel volleyball which I really enjoyed. After starting to work at my children’s elementary school as an aide, I finished my bachelor’s degree and received dual teaching credentials. It took a while but by the time I was 44, I was teaching at the same school. In the last few years, I’ve been able to finish my master’s in education and receive my administrative credential. I am so blessed and lucky to be back in this community as a principal at an elementary school. It is as if I get to be that rally commissioner again, getting those students to get excited with life! I love it!
When I share my experience at Summerville High School ( which I do quite often) and if I was to talk to students today I would tell them to get involved, take chances and try to be a part of something where you can share together, celebrate and accomplish things with others.
These experiences from my high school years are still alive in me today and I bring the same energy and love of learning to students every day. I will continue to tell students to stay involved, be a part of something and there is nothing better than lifting others up around you and sharing the experiences together.
Thank you again for this recognition, GO BEARS!
Andrea Fox-Fray