After years of progressive leadership at Boothbay Region High School, from student government and Rotary’s Interact Club, to raising thousands of dollars for her class and civic causes, from advocating for youth voices on area boards (Healthy Lincoln County Youth Advisory Board, YMCA Board of Trustees), to leaving her mark on over 50 theater productions, Sarah Harris is heading to Yale University this fall, with a 100.29 GPA and a mission to explore the human stories behind the history of science and medicine. Her choice of major reflects a deep-seated curiosity about the social impact of discovery, specifically, those who are included or excluded when scientific ideas meet the real world.

Harris is also excited to cast a wide net in her first year. “I’m looking forward to college and to exploring different subjects and opportunities without having to commit to a specific path right away. My college doesn’t require students to declare a major until sophomore year, so I still have time to figure out what I'd like to study. I’m also excited to take American Sign Language (ASL) classes next year since that’s something I’ve wanted to learn for a while. As a dancer, movement has always been an outlet for me, and I’m interested in how ASL will connect communication and expression,” she wrote in an interview response.

If Harris’s academics represent her drive, her community service represents her heart. She spearheaded fundraisers for victims of the Lewiston shooting and coordinated food drives to support families impacted by SNAP reductions. Her experience on the Varsity Cross Country, Cheer and Math teams taught her that leadership is a balance—one that requires both the grit to win and kindness to support teammates.

Perhaps Harris’s most significant achievement is her personal growth. Reflecting on her high school career, she said she once believed strength meant keeping people at a distance. "Looking back, I’ve realized that some of the most important parts of my growth came from letting people in," she wrote. Her advice to those following her is to prioritize kindness and presence over perfection.

“One of my favorite memories from high school was a home Friday night football game this fall. It was a close game by the second half after we had made a comeback, and a huge group of us spent most of it down by the field. On the last few drives, we stayed along the sideline with the cheerleaders following the team all the way to the end zone. It was also a neon night, so everyone was dressed in ridiculous bright colors, and it felt like the whole field was lit up. Being there with my friends, dressed up, yelling for our team, and watching them pull off the win made it one of the most fun nights of high school and a great way to start my senior year,” wrote Harris.

As she prepares for a summer of work, beach days and time with friends before heading to Yale, she hopes the summer “will be a beautiful mix of appreciating the people who shaped my high school experience and getting ready for the next chapter of my life.” A memory she plans to carry with her – encouraging notes from her mother she often found in her lunch box.