By: Jewel Dickerman
As she prepares to graduate from Wallenpaupack Area High School, Dafina Demiri is excited to take the next step on her journey. She plans to attend Arcadia University for four years, where she will major in Psychology. Her ultimate goal is to become a Marriage and Family Counselor, helping others navigate life’s challenges with care and compassion.
Throughout high school, Dafina was actively involved in both academics and the arts. A proud member of the National Honor Society for the past three years, she volunteered at numerous events both in and out of school. She also lent her time and talent to the Art Club, where she’s been a dedicated member since freshman year and helped with fundraising efforts for the club’s annual trips. Dafina supported school events by assisting with catering for semi-formal and working the football game concession stands from freshman to junior year. She also contributed behind the scenes in the fall plays Save Hamlet! and Blue Stockings as a spotlight technician.
Dafina says her biggest accomplishment in high school wasn’t a single event or award, but rather “figuring out who I want to be in my life—and who I want to be there for it.”
When asked what she’ll miss most, Dafina shared, “I’ll miss most of my teachers, the chance to see my friends every day, and the certainty of knowing what the next day holds. But I’m also excited for the transition into college and everything that comes after.”
Dafina was deeply impacted by many teachers during her time at WAHS and wanted to express her gratitude to them all:
“For me, it wasn’t just one teacher—it was the combined effort of so many wonderful and nurturing people who made being here and getting through this part of my life worth it.
To Dr. Schmalzle for being kind and patient; Mrs. Sandercock for seeing me as a person before a student; Mr. Kopich for keeping us boneheads in check; Mrs. Horvath for having the most beautiful and nurturing soul; Chef Louis for teaching me to cook and change my future; Mrs. Snyder for making chemistry bearable; Mrs. Neenan for helping me find my melody; Mr. Bryden for making history and logic interesting; Mrs. Amon for caring deeply for her students; Mr. Moran for being a chill dude; Mr. Hamil and Mrs. Peet for reminding me of the joy and freedom of creativity; and Dr. Caruso for laying the foundation for our futures. To you—and so many others—thank you.”
Wallenpaupack will surely miss Dafina’s warmth, creativity, and thoughtfulness. We can’t wait to see the difference she makes in the world.
