For anyone who knows St. Joseph-Ogden’s Indira Robinson, there is not question as to why she became a co-valedictorian of the Class of 2021.
“I’ve always been an inquisitive person,” Robinson said. “When I was younger, I was definitely the annoying kid that would always ask “why.” This trait has always just stuck with me. Being able to learn is important to me because it means I have the ability to grow and gain more knowledge that allows me to have a better understanding of the world around me.”
With curiosity, along with a desire to just work hard and give her best effort, Robinson set out as a freshman with her eyes set at the top of her class.
“I have had great support from my family and teachers that has really been the only reason I have had most of my academic success,” she said. “There are countless times that I have had to ask my teachers for extra help to understand concepts.
“I also tend to stress myself out very easily and my family and teachers have helped me on numerous occasions when I would get upset over a small thing. All this support has really meant the world to me and I could never thank them enough.”
That support group also stood beside her as she took on scholastic bowl, National Honors Society, the Advisory Mentoring Program, We the People, drama, band, student council, and kept statistics for the soccer program.
“This really gave me the opportunity to grow closer with my peers as well as gaining teamwork and leadership skills,” she said. “Getting involved really was important to me because I was able to just grow into the person I am today through the relationships and skills from these activities.”
Robinson said, though, that those relationships also stem from a community willing to be engaged in the school districts served.
“All the members of the community work to support the school, and I think this is something very special,” she said. “The teachers and staff also are truly concerned about the well-being and learning of the students. They all want us to succeed and it shows through the time and care they give to their students.”
After high school, Robinson will attend Illinois State University, majoring in Environmental Systems Science and Sustainability. Her dream job is to work with the federal government in promoting renewable resources through environmental policy.
“In college, I am going to continue to take my skills of working hard,” she said. “However, I have learned that I shouldn’t stress myself out as much. I’m going to put more focus on doing my best rather than pressuring myself to attain perfection.”
