Meet CHS 2013 Salutatorian: Ashley Ginda

Ashley Ginda will be recognized during Saturday's graduation ceremony for earning the title of salutatorian for Coventry High School's Class of 2013.

Apart from her stellar academic performance and earning a spot in the National Honor Society, during her four years at CHS, Ashley played on the Girls' Tennis team, was a member of the Interact Club and wrote for the school newspaper, The Entry.

"Being on the tennis team was amazing," she said. "Our season is right at the beginning of the school year, so it was always a nice transition back to school after summer vacation."

Ashley said that she did not enter Coventry High School four years ago with the goal of graduating at the top of her class, but since freshman year, she managed to keep a firm grip on the #2 spot.

"Becoming salutatorian just happened," said Ashley. "It was never a competition, I just did it for me. I did my own thing and always just tried to do my best."

Of all the classes she took during her high school career, her favorite was chemistry "without a doubt".

"I just love mixing chemicals and I love the math involved."

Ashley's love for science inspired her to apply Early Admission to URI's College of Pharmacy. She was accepted this past February and received an $18,000 scholarship that will help pay for the six-year program, as well as a $2,000 scholarship from the Coventry Teachers' Alliance.

She is looking forward to moving into her first dorm room in the fall, but in the meantime, Ashley plans to look for a summer job and take some to relax before hitting the books once again in college.

In the future, she would like to spend some time doing research and eventually pursue her dream career as a pharmacist.

According to Ashley, her four years at Coventry High School were very beneficial and did a great job shaping her future.

"High school has been fantastic," she said. "I feel very prepared and ready for college." 

When asked what advice she would give another student looking to excel in school, Ashley strongly suggested kicking any procrastination habits early on - words of wisdom she will try to follow herself while at URI.

She also urged fellow students to not be so hard on themselves all the time, and to remember that nobody is perfect.

"School was never really hard for me until I took Chemistry 2, that was the first time I really struggled in a class," Ashley explained. "It took me a while but I eventually learned that if you fail or don't do well occasionally, it really is OK. You just have to remember to do your best, but also do what's best for you."