Anna Diaz can probably solve any math problem and is a concert fanatic. She is a senior at Gainesville High School and is representing the Gainesville Rotary Club in this year’s 2016 Charity Ball. She is the yearbook editor, involved in countless clubs, and was recently named a National Merit Commended Student. Anna was the only GHS student who qualified for this recognition with her near-perfect PSAT scores. Anna’s talents are not limited to her academic abilities; she spent many years with the Gainesville Ballet Company and plays the violin. She spent a month of her summer at Valdosta State after being selected to participate in the esteemed Governor’s Honors Program as a dance major. Anna’s heart is even bigger than her resume, saying “I am ecstatic to directly take part in the betterment of our community. Knowing that the money I raise is going to allow insecure children and families to eat makes all of my hard work so worth it.”
She has not yet decided on where she will attend college, but knows she would like to pursue a career in the field of business. There is no doubt that no matter where Anna ends up, her successes will be limitless!
Question: Why did you want to participate in this year’s charity ball?
Answer: “I wanted to participate in Charity Ball because I have been brought up in a family of service. My parents always raised my brother, sister, and I to know the importance of giving back and they are always great examples of that. This was the perfect outlet for me to do my part in providing for the community.”
Q: What is the significance of the Feeding Our Future charity here in Hall County?
A: “Feeding Our Future is a part of the Strengthening Families program of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County. Through Feeding Our Future, the League helps alleviate childhood hunger in our community by providing chronically hungry children and their households with nutritious and easy to prepare food through a monthly food box distribution. It is so important to recognize these families in need and make sure they have food each and every day like the rest of us.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in town?
A: “I love going to football games on Friday night because of the social aspect. It’s fun to stand in the student section and have a good time with my friends while cheering on the team. My favorite part is definitely being able to be creative and dress up in the theme!”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant and what do you love there?
A: “My favorite restaurant in town is 2 Dog just because of their Gouda fritters–they are delicious.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Why?
A: “If I could travel anywhere in the world right now I would go back to Paris. I took a trip there after my sophomore year, but I was only there for a couple days and didn’t get to fully explore the beautiful city I fell in love with! There is also so much food everywhere and I love food.”
Q: What’s the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “The first movie I remember seeing–although I know it’s probably not actually the first–is Happy Feet, the penguin movie. I took a few of my friends to Mall of Georgia with me on my birthday to see it right when it first came out.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “I would advise a crowd of people to continue working hard because if you put in enough time and effort, you can achieve anything. Staying up an hour later to finish homework or getting up an hour earlier to go to a club will all pay off in the long run, even though it is not desirable in the moment. Also, I would advise people to put themselves in positions they aren’t always comfortable in, because most of my best memories come from events that I would never see myself doing.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Something on my bucket list is definitely skydiving, although my mom says I am never allowed to do that. I love anything that heightens my adrenaline and I think that would be the ultimate adrenaline rush! I’ve wanted to skydive for as long as I can remember.”
Q: What 3 bands/artists would you love to see?
A: “One of my favorite things to do is go to concerts. I try to see everyone I can live, so I have probably seen my three favorite artists. I would say the best shows I’ve been to were Beyonce, Drake, and Ed Sheeran.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “My favorite thing about Hall County is that everybody knows everybody! No matter where I go I see a face I recognize and everyone here is so friendly. The community is so tightly knit and it’s the perfect place to be raised.”
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: “After graduation, I plan to go to college but I’m not sure where yet. I am in the process of applying right now. I hope to study business of some sort and pursue a career in that field!”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: “In 10 years, I see myself hopefully starting a family and prospering in my career. I hope to have a steady job in a field that I enjoy, and most importantly I hope I am happy!”
Interview by: Meredith Pannek
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
PROJECT PATRONS:
