Seniors Emma Xiao and Omar Elsayed were recently honored with the Set a Good Example award (SAGE) for their efforts at Hamilton Southeastern High School, reflecting on the memories that led them to this achievement.

For Xiao, the award was a chance to thank the people who shaped her high school experience. She gave special recognition to the teachers who supported her.

“Ms. Schroeder, Ms. Chandler, you are a really important part of my education journey,” Xiao said. “I could not be the person I am right now without you.”

Xiao talked about the strong connections she built throughout high school; connections that helped her grow both in the classroom and outside of it.

Elsayed shared a different perspective, thinking back to how much he has changed since freshman year. Like a lot of students, he started high school not really knowing what he wanted to do, but he decided to just get involved anyway.

“I just remember my freshman year having no idea what to do,” Elsayed said. “But I just knew I had to get involved and [try] different things. Stuff like this reminds me that it was all worth it.”

He said it is important to chase different opportunities because you never know what will turn into your passion.

Xiao’s impact did not go unnoticed by her teachers. Rebecca Schroeder, who has been teaching for over 20 years, described Xiao as one of her most memorable students.

“Emma Xiao is one of the most thoughtful, insightful, funny, articulate, wonderful students I’ve taught in the 20+ years of my teaching,” Schroeder said. “She is just one of those students that, as an educator, you wish you could replicate. She has enriched the lives around her, [and] she has made my teaching degree.”

Breana Daniels shared similar praise for Elsayed, highlighting his dedication and brilliance.

“Omar Elsayed is by far one of the most beautiful, brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of teaching,” Daniels said. “In his four years of being here, he has been the absolute definition of excellence.”

Both students prove that getting involved, building relationships, and working hard can lead to success even when you do not have it all figured out from the start.