Written By: Arabella Kats, Staff Writer
MADDOX: Senior Abigale Maddox talks about her time at Poly and future plans, with advice for anyone from incoming freshmen, to graduating seniors
After four years at Poly, senior Abby Maddox is getting ready to graduate high school and continue on to the next chapter of her life. Her involvement in Poly’s community has made her a significant part of many people’s lives, and a vital member of different clubs, groups and classes.
Abby’s love for music led her to be involved in the Music Technology club, as well as Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and Show Choir, in which she is the choreographer. During her junior year, she could often be found singing live music at lunch with the Music Tech band. This year, her choreography skills will be displayed at the SCVA Show Choir competition, a somewhat poetic conclusion to her high school years, as her last show choir competition was during her freshman year, before COVID-19 put a stop to it. In 2023, her last year at Poly, it is finally returning.
Her mom’s membership in a band and her grandparents’ collections of records and jukeboxes gave her access to music from a young age, sparking her interest early on. “I’ve been doing music all my life” she said, “and it’s something that is comforting to me.” Having a family deeply rooted in music, as well as teachers such as Kristen Walton, Poly’s choir director, also had an impact on her appreciation of music. “Ms. Walton really inspired me… which is why I spend most of my day with her,” Abby said, “she really made me enjoy music in… a healthy way.”
Her passion for music also extends to her major of choice. She plans to study music and music production at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), in the hopes of one day opening her own music production company. “I still want to do singing on the side,” she added, “and have my own career… making my own music,” but her ultimate goal is to help musicians find their unique selves without exploiting their success.
“I’m really sad to leave Poly,” Abby admitted, “but I’m excited because… graduating high school is the start of your life… not the end.” She advises students to remember that “high school is not forever” and to avoid consuming yourself in drama that… is only going to suck up time.” She believes that high school is a time that should be enjoyed to the fullest, and only made more precious by its brevity. She argues that being involved and participating in school is one of the most important things you can do in order to look back on your time with pride.
We wish you all the best on your future endeavors, Abby!