Dare to Excel: Anna Russell

Posted 5/18/21

Wright City High School’s Anna Russell is confident in the passions she wants to pursue personally and professionally. The senior has been heavily involved in her school’s yearbook …

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Dare to Excel: Anna Russell

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Wright City High School’s Anna Russell is confident in the passions she wants to pursue personally and professionally. The senior has been heavily involved in her school’s yearbook program since her sophomore year, motivated by a deep interest in photography and graphic design. She now works as the editor in her final year.

Russell also makes time to be involved in a variety of other extracurricular activities and work a part-time job. Thanks to good scheduling throughout her high school career and a summer class to boost her credit hours, Russell has classes for just half a day this semester. That gives her a little more breathing room for her other activities.

“A lot of kids can set up their schedule so they can graduate only needing two classes in their senior year,” Russell commented. “Most seniors, if they complete their classes correctly, only need government and an English credit their senior year.”

Still, the course load Russell has is nothing to scoff at. She’s taking AP government, college dual enrollment English and environmental science, plus yearbook class.

After class, Russell plays softball for the school, is a member of National Honor Society and Student Council, and volunteers for two programs that encourage positive behaviors in students. And all the while, she’s attending events and taking photos for the yearbook.

Q: Why are you so passionate about photography and graphic design?

“It allows me to use my creativity. It’s very open ended, so you can do a lot with it. I have some design and editing skills that I learned in classes here ... and it was something that just came easily to me and I liked it.

Q: How did you become so involved in activities?

“I was homeschooled for five years before coming to Wright City. Not to say I was deprived of social activity, but the dynamic (of public school) is so different. ... When I came in, I found that I enjoyed being part of a plethora of activities. And I have a heart for giving back to the community and serving.”

Q: How do you keep your schedule organized?

“I’m a very pen-to-paper kind of person. ... I have a planner with everything written. My week is laid out, and as soon as I know something is going on it gets written in.”

Q: What other classes do you enjoy?

“Government and American history have always been very interesting. American government has been more interesting because ... it’s very relevant and important to be knowledgeable about.”

Q: What classes are challenging for you?

“Math has always been my struggle class. I definitely had to get extra help and spend extra time.”

Q: Is there anything that helped you with those classes?

“Just make sure you’re present and paying attention during class. If you are struggling, be willing to speak up and say ‘I don’t understand.’”

Q: What are your plans after high school?

“I’m planning to get a bachelor’s in marketing with an emphasis in graphic design at Lindenwood University.”

Favorite food: Chicken and dumplings

Favorite show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite movie: “Inkheart”

Favorite musicians: Casting Crowns

Favorite destination: The Bahamas

Dare to Excel, Wright City High School

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