Samantha Jean Hardin is the daughter of Ron and Kim Hardin. She has been a part of the Valley Heights community for the entirety of her life.
Over her high school career as a Mustang, Sam has been a member of several teams and clubs. She has participated in volleyball, cross country, basketball, and golf. In addition, Sam has been involved in FCCLA, KAY, NHS, Art Club, Journalism, Forensics, Student Council, the All-School Play, Peer Mentoring, and FCA. Within these clubs, Sam has held several leadership roles, including FCCLA President and NHS Treasurer. Her greatest achievement up to this point in her life was making it to State Forensics three years in a row. Sam’s favorite high school memory was an epic wardrobe malfunction her senior volleyball season, in a game against Clifton-Clyde.
The greatest influence in Sam’s life is her mother. “My mom is a teacher and has always made me want to pursue the same career. She has taught me to never stress out about things that won’t matter in a year’s time,” says Sam. A Bible verse that inspires her is Psalm 61:2, which reads, “When my heart is overwhelmed Lord, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” A song that describes Sam is “Day to Feel Alive” by Jake Reese. One quality that sets her apart from others is her compassion. Sam says, “I’ll stay up until midnight making cookies if it’s someone’s birthday because I value making other people happy.”
The summer after graduation, Sam plans on taking a vacation to Yellowstone National Park. (Yellowstone was her very first vacation as a child.) She will attend Kansas State University in the fall of 2020, to pursue a major in Secondary Education and a minor in Leadership. Sam will be remembered at Valley Heights for her selfless attitude and renowned homemade cookies.