Sarah Westcott: From Oswego High School to SUNY Potsdam
Sarah Westcott, a talented and ambitious student hailing from Oswego, New York, is a name synonymous with academic excellence, community involvement, and a passion for music education. Having graduated from Oswego High School with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Distinction, she has embarked on an exciting journey as a freshman at the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Potsdam. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference in her community and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Sarah Westcott’s High School Achievements
Sarah Westcott’s formative years were spent at Oswego High School, where she excelled academically and participated actively in extracurricular activities. She was a driven student who thrived in honors classes, maintaining a high GPA throughout her four years of high school. Her Advanced Regents Diploma with Distinction is a testament to her academic dedication.
Leadership Roles in High School
Sarah demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during her time at Oswego High School, holding several prestigious positions, including:
- President of the Drama Club
- President of the Musical Club
- Secretary of the Spanish Club
- Member of the Student Council
- Member of the National Honors Society
These roles reflect her ability to balance academics and leadership, contributing significantly to her school community.
Transition to SUNY Potsdam
Pursuing Music Education at the Crane School of Music
Currently enrolled at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Sarah Westcott is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, focusing on the choral track. Her passion for music education drives her goal of auditioning for the Music Performance program, further expanding her expertise and opportunities in the field.
College Life and Academic Goals
Sarah’s transition to college has been marked by a renewed focus on utilizing on-campus resources. She emphasizes the importance of libraries, success centers, and academic spaces that foster growth and independence for students. Her firsthand experience of adjusting to college life has inspired her to advocate for greater student engagement with these resources.
Active Participation in Collegiate Organizations
In addition to her academic pursuits, Sarah is deeply involved in various collegiate organizations, including:
- Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (NAfME)
- Collegiate American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
- Crane Student Association, where she serves as a representative for Hosmer Choir
These activities allow her to refine her leadership and collaborative skills, balancing her coursework, practice schedule, and extracurricular commitments effectively.
Professional Experience
Working at Bev’s Dairy Treats
During the summer of 2023, Sarah Westcott gained valuable professional experience as an employee at Bev’s Dairy Treats in Oswego, New York. This seasonal role allowed her to develop strong customer service and communication skills while managing a high-volume workload.
Key Responsibilities and Skills Acquired
Sarah excelled in her role by:
- Serving large volumes of customers with a friendly disposition.
- Handling Square transactions for credit card sales efficiently.
- Quickly mastering the use of ice cream machines, cash registers, and other tools.
Her time at Bev’s Dairy Treats highlighted her ability to adapt, learn new skills, and thrive in fast-paced environments.
Passion for Music Education
Advocacy for On-Campus Resources
Sarah Westcott’s experiences have shaped her into a passionate advocate for the utilization of on-campus resources. She believes that libraries and success centers are fundamental to the future achievement of college students, and she strives to educate her peers about their importance.
Vision for a Better Campus Culture
Sarah’s goal is to foster a culture where students feel empowered to seek help and utilize the tools available to them. Her own journey—overcoming challenges in transitioning from high school to college life—has fueled her mission to make these resources more accessible and widely used.
Skills and Strengths
Core Competencies of Sarah Westcott
Sarah’s diverse experiences have equipped her with a wide range of skills that set her apart as a leader and a changemaker. These include:
- Communication: A strong communicator, whether in academic settings, leadership roles, or customer service.
- Organization: Excelling at time management and balancing multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Leadership: Proven leadership abilities in various school and collegiate organizations.
- Public Speaking: Confidently addressing audiences and advocating for her causes.
- Teamwork: Thriving in collaborative environments, both academically and professionally.
Future Aspirations
Goals in Music Education and Beyond
Sarah Westcott’s ultimate aspiration is to become a music educator who inspires the next generation of students. She aims to combine her love for music and her leadership skills to create an engaging and enriching learning environment. Additionally, she plans to:
- Expand Her Musical Expertise: Audition for the Music Performance program at SUNY Potsdam.
- Advocate for Resource Utilization: Continue educating students on the importance of campus resources.
- Inspire Change: Influence a culture of collaboration and support among her peers.
Conclusion: Sarah Westcott’s Inspiring Journey
From her achievements at Oswego High School to her ongoing success at SUNY Potsdam, Sarah Westcott embodies the qualities of a dedicated, passionate, and driven individual. Her story serves as an inspiration to students striving to balance academics, leadership, and personal growth. With her focus on music education, advocacy for on-campus resources, and commitment to excellence, Sarah Westcott is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.
