Spotlight On: Annie Williamson, CCES Class of 2021

 

 

Annie Williamson’s faith has always been an important part of her life, especially during her college selection process.  “Even just as a sophomore,” she says, “I felt that God was leading me to college in the state of Tennessee.”  She began researching schools as her college search truly began during her junior year, and stumbled upon Belmont University in Nashville.  “As soon as I stepped foot on Belmont’s campus,” she recalls, “I knew I was ready to call this school my home, and that God was calling me to become a Belmont Bruin.”

 

Annie applied and was accepted to Auburn University, The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Samford University, but the beautiful campus and wonderful city of Nashville had an edge on the others.  Located on the former Belle Monte estate, which includes an antebellum mansion, the Colonial Revival buildings exude small-town Southern charm.  Academically, Belmont boasts a rigorous honors college into which Annie was accepted.  The honors program seeks exceptionally motivated students and offers classes and coursework of a higher caliber than other college courses.  Annie will enter in the fall as a Politics and Public Law major on a Pre-Law track, with the goal of becoming a lawyer and working in politics.  She credits her interest in both fields to a love of humanities and her family’s background in politics— she will be a fourth generation politician in the Williamson family! 

 

We have no doubt that Annie will one day be a force in the courtroom, as she has been on the stage, on the playing fields, and in the classroom.  Annie played tennis for the lady Cavs, was active in the Youth in Government program and Spanish Club all throughout high school, served as a Student Ambassador for four years, was a member of the Bluebelles (which she served as co-president her senior year), and is an IB Diploma candidate.  On top of that, Annie has performed in seven musicals (5^th-12^th grade), three plays (10^th-12^th grade), and sang in the Choir for eight years (5^th-12^th grade). 

 

Annie is both a hardworking student and a dedicated performer.  Her ambition and work ethic have been recognized through her many awards and accolades.   Lindsey Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling said, “Annie not only contributes to the CCES community as an Admissions Ambassador, a performing artist, and a dedicated member of multiple clubs and organizations, but she represents our school so well in the greater community.  I’m continually impressed with Annie’s action-oriented approach to seeking activities outside of school that align with her interests.”  She has won the Clemson Spanish Declamation Contest, Bob Jones Vocal Competition, UofSC Honors College Writing Contest, Hollins University Book Award, is a Gold Congressional Award Recipient, and most recently, earned the Maggie McLeod Scholarship Award. 

 

Further, Annie was one of just two dozen students who participated in the inaugural internship program last summer through CCES.  Her mentor, CCES alumnus Asher Watson, took her under his wing and further enhanced her interest in law.  “I was able to see what his day to day life as a lawyer is like,” she said, “and even got to go to the courthouse with him!”  Despite Annie’s accomplishments, she is always grounded, humble, and above all thankful, declaring “Mr. Asher Watson is a perfect example of the fellowship of the CCES community.”

 

“CCES has taught me a multitude of valuable lessons over my years,” Annie holds.  “Each experience and person I have met throughout these 12 years have all shaped me to be the person I am today.  I am, and always will be, proud to be a Christ Church Cavalier, and will carry the lessons this community has taught me forever.  Go Cavs!”

 

 

If you could relive one CCES event or experience, what would it be? Opening nights of all the musicals I’ve been in!

What is one of the things you would put on your bucket list? Going to a sky lantern festival.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? My parents–they’re my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their guidance and encouragement.

Describe your senior year in three words. Fun-filled, bittersweet, and memorable.

In Nashville, will we find you 1) at the honky tonks on Broadway 2) taking in the trails and waterways or 3) at the library? You will definitely find me at the honky tonks on Broadway!