Page 89 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2021

story by Lynn Lofton
photo courtesy of Amelia Cunningham
Amelia Cunningham
“
“Our academics ar“ e essential,
but I realize it comes second to our behavior.
As the student body president at Resurrection High School, Amelia Cunningham is involved in many school activities. Now that graduation is near, she is philosophical about her elementary and secondary education.
“I believe attending a Catholic school since pre-K has had the most impact on my life,” she says. “At times, I took it for granted, but now that I am graduating and leaving home, I know what a gift my education has been. Even though my family attends Mass regularly, being reminded and encouraged daily to live with Christ at the center of every decision is powerful. Our academics are essential, but I realize it comes second to our behavior. I know that when I graduate, I will take these values with me.”
The 17-year-old daughter of Greg and Chrissy Cunningham, Amelia was born in Tampa, Florida, but the family moved back to her parent’s hometown of Pascagoula when she was two years old. She has a younger sister, Fiona, who is in the sixth grade.
Her future plans include attending the University of Mississippi to pursue a degree in biology and later to attend dental school. She was recently accepted into Ole Miss’ Honors College, which she believes will help her accomplish her goals.
Amelia admires her mom, who is a teacher. “I want to be like her. I respect how she treats others and her hopeful outlook on life. She works hard, but still has fun.”
She also admired her late grandmother, with whom she
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would like to have another conversation. “She got sick with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and declined quickly,” she says. “I was 15 when she passed away. I would love to talk with her again to tell her how much my life has changed and ask her questions about her life.”
In addition to serving as Student Body President, Amelia is Key Club secretary, a member of Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Z Club, Interact Club and was Homecoming Queen.
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