Cassie Craig Is Salutatorian For West Lincoln

WEST LINCOLN––You might say she has engineered her way to academic success.

She is Cassie Craig, and come August, she’ll be majoring in mechanical engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. And according to West Lincoln High School counsellor Amy Cable, the 18-year-old is the Rebels’ salutatorian for the class of 2023.

The daughter of Chris and Angela Craig, she is also the sister of Caitlin Headrick. Miss Craig told us more about herself Tuesday, including her favorite West Lincoln teachers and memories.

“The teacher who influenced me the most was my band director, Jacob Brittain,” she said. “I have been in band every day since sixth grade. Mr. Brittain is at all of our marching band competitions and concerts and always helps us with anything we need, band-related or not. Marching band is a big part of my life in the fall, and concert band is very prevalent in the fall and spring.

“Many of my high school memories revolve around band,” she continued. “I have marched in the Rebel Regiment for five years. We have practices two to three days a week, football on Fridays and competitions on Saturdays. One of the memories that stands out to me the most was at a competition my 11th grade year, when I was on the field for awards. We had already gotten first place in my instrument category––percussion. And we were waiting for the grand champion to be announced. I will never forget the excitement and joy I felt when the whole band ran to the field and accepted the award!”

Thinking of her academic and professional path ahead, Craig said that in another decade, she hopes to be out of university, having earned a master’s degree, and to be working in robotics.

And talking of the future, Craig offered her fellow grads some sage advice.

“Always look to the future,” she said, “but never forget where you came from and what got you there.”