For senior Baylee Finch, quiet moments are where creativity and growth thrive. In her spare time, Baylee enjoys drawing, roller skating, baking and cooking, and she is a passionate fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog series — a fun interest that anyone who knows her can quickly spot.
Growing up as a shy student who tended to isolate herself from classmates, Baylee historically stayed away from extracurriculars. However, she has recently stepped out of her comfort zone by teaching herself American Sign Language (ASL) and is planning to enroll in formal classes. Today, as she prepares to walk across the graduation stage, Baylee stands as a testament to resilience, growth and self-belief.
Baylee’s path to graduation has not been without challenges. Before starting ninth grade at Pioneer High School (now the CHS-Silver Campus), she dreaded school and doubted whether she even would want to finish high school. She remembers the nervous ride in her dad’s red truck to her first day of freshman year, wearing camo pants and a black tank top to blend in and to mask her true feelings.
Baylee explained that the Silver Campus provided a safe, supportive environment where she says teachers recognized her potential rather than seeing her as just another face in the crowd. She found a tight-knit, “once- in-a-lifetime group of friends” who offered kindness and understanding, helping her rediscover her passion for life. With teachers and friends supporting her and building her confidence, Baylee has overcome a fear of being in front of people and public speaking and is looking forward to challenging her introverted personality to take on whatever she encounters.
Baylee’s dedication to her academics has not gone unnoticed. Baylee was inducted and served for two years, in the Pioneer Academic Honor Society, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Being recognized for her hard work made her feel truly seen and valued as a student.
She credits her achievements to the unwavering support of her family, especially her grandmother. Describing her grandmother as the kindest, most intelligent, strongest and most forgiving person in her life, Baylee expresses deep gratitude for taking her in and teaching her the life lessons that shaped her into who she is today.
With graduation on the horizon, Baylee is ready to check a major accomplishment off her bucket list and begin a new chapter. Ever since taking biology during her junior year, she has been fascinated by DNA and its application in criminology. To achieve her goal of becoming a forensic scientist, Baylee has sharpened her focus on her coursework. She is currently considering attending Western Nevada College (WNC) or the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to pursue a degree in forensic science. As she prepares to leave CHS – Silver Campus, Baylee looks forward to stepping out into the world, embracing new adventures and making a real difference.
All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.
