Help us celebrate our next PCHS Class of 2022 Senior Spotlight, Miss Sofia Valencia!

Sofia is the daughter of Monica and Brad Gillum.

Her favorite quote is from her mom, "No one makes you happy. Only you can make yourself happy."

While in high school, Sofia has been involved in many clubs and activities and had several accomplishments.

4 years of Varsity Cheer (2 years of being Captain), Track, FFA (Assistant Reporter and Chapter Sentinel), FCCLA (Chapter Treasurer), & SADD. One year of Interact, Student Council & National Honor Society Class Treasurer. Senior & Junior year A+ Tutor, 4-H club member 9 years, 4-H Secretary 1 year, & 4-H Vice President 1 year. Showed cattle at the Putnam County Fair, judged Dairy Cattle at the state-level (freshman year) for FFA, FFA State Talent (sophomore year), attended State FFA Convention (freshman year). Attended National FFA Convention (senior year). Going to state this year for FFA Dairy Foods team. Expected to graduate from high school Summa Cum Laude, A Honor Roll every semester in high school, National Honor Society (NHS), All-State individual Cheerleader Jumps, Putnam County Fair Queen 2020-2021.

Sofia's advice for incoming freshmen: "Go outside your comfort zone by joining as many organizations as you can! Meeting new people is like a breath of fresh air, you don't want to pass that up."

After graduation, Sofia plans to attend Mizzou and major in Health Science. In 5-10 years, she hopes to see herself succeeding in becoming either an athletic trainer or a physical therapist with a background in being a surgical technician. She also pictures herself getting married and settling down in a larger metropolis area and enjoying all of the resources it provides.

We asked Sofia what staff member has had the biggest impact on her. She told us, "I would have to say Nancy Owings has had the biggest impact on me. Mrs. Owings has slowly become another mother to me throughout the years. Not only has she taught me how to interpret readings and become a better writer, but she has also been helping me find scholarships to apply for, ALWAYS reminding me how amazing my own mother is, and pushing me to do my best in school. I am blessed to have had such a great English teacher!"

"My favorite class at Putnam would have to be Yearbook class. Although I am constantly stuck on what to put on my pages, Mrs. Fleshman's creative mind really breaks through my creative block. I also feel as though our class, in general, has gotten pretty close and it definitely is a safe place for me."

"The most memorable moment in high school would definitely have to be performing our state cheer routine. Getting on the mat for the last time, putting everything in the tank, and knowing that we did everything perfect was a goal I had this year. Being able to put in 100% effort and commitment from May to December, we definitely deserved our state-winning title."

"Without such a supportive community containing all of the amazing friends I have made for the past 5 years I wouldn't be who I am today. Moving to Putnam has been life-changing. I am really thankful to my parents to tell me to suck it up and meet new friends when I was scared to move to Putnam County in 2017."

Sofia, we are #PutnamProud of you! Congratulations!