In the dictionary, “valiant” carries multiple definitions. The first says, “marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination.” Another reads “possessing or acting with bravery or boldness.”
At Valwood School, in Valdosta, Ga., being a Valiant is more than wearing the navy and orange uniforms. It is a way of life; a lifestyle that requires a stern dedication to excellence.
Eighth-grader Erin Moss is filling the mold to perfection.
“Being at Valwood is so encouraging,” she said. “The small environment makes it feel like one big family. I love being a Valiant.”
Erin is a proud example of her school, and she displays it in a plethora of areas on campus. In the fall, she is a member of the volleyball team. During the winter, she focuses her attention on the hardwood, where she plays center for the basketball team. Come the spring, Erin heads to the track, where she competes in the high jump, 100-meter, and 50-meter hurdle.
“Volleyball is probably my favorite,” she said. “I really enjoy playing.”
Enjoying the sport certainly helps. Erin has already used her excitement for volleyball to gain playing time with the varsity team, as well as being named a 2014 All-Region player for Region 2-AAA. And her talent doesn’t stop there; she has also spent time as a member of Valwood’s varsity basketball team, and will be taking a step up to varsity track this season.
“Erin is very driven,” said Tara Moss, Erin’s mother. “She does a great job balancing all of her extracurricular activities. On top of everything else, she also dances year-round. She’s very focused.”
Erin’s ability spans much more than the athletic world. Valwood prides itself on its academic prowess, and Erin has absolutely no problem standing out. She is a member of MATHCOUNTS (which is math competition team that competes regionally), she has served as a member of the Student Council, and has also participated in the Science Olympiad.
Even with all of this on her plate, Erin still has one more obligation, and this one has helped produce one of her shining moments as a Valiant.
“I am also a member of the Quiz Bowl team,” Erin said. “We recently took first place in the region.”
It’s only natural that, with being a member of so many teams and organizations, Erin is extremely selfless.
“She’s very team-oriented,” Mrs. Moss said. “What Erin won’t tell you is that she was the one that gave the winning answer during that Quiz Bowl competition. She’s very humble and always wants to make sure that her teammates get credit as well.”
Being a Valiant fits Erin well; she has a never-say-die attitude that carries from athletics to academics and beyond.
“I would say that I’m very persistent,” Erin said. “I know that I may not get things done on the first attempt. But I also know that I won’t quit until I do.”
Her fighting spirit is a major reason that she has reached such a high level.
“We had to make Erin give sports a try at Valwood,” Mrs. Moss said. “After her first day of basketball, she came home extremely upset. But she pushed herself to go back the next day, and she has played ever since. She’s very determined.”
Erin looks forward to continuing her academic and athletic careers as a Valiant. And while she has not narrowed down her choices for college, she knows that two things are certain. She will go to college, and she will continue to play sports when she gets there. And with her outstanding grades, those goals should be much easier to accomplish.
“She’s very committed to academics,” Mrs. Moss said. “It’s natural for Erin to get upset or worried if any of her grades fall below a 95. She’s a terrific student.”
Erin Moss is on the fast track to success. She has made incredible strides so far at Valwood, and with her level of dedication, it will come as no surprise when her Valiant efforts continue to pay off.
Age: 13
Grade: 8th
Height: 6’0”
Hobbies: Dancing, reading, texting my friends
Favorite Subject: Algebra
Favorite Sports Team (College or Pro): University of Texas
Favorite Athlete: Destiny Hooker
Favorite Type of Music: I like it all, from one extreme to the other.
Favorite Musical Artist: Beyoncé
Favorite Movie: The Green Mile
Favorite Actor/Actress: Benedict Cumberbatch
Role Model: My sister, Erica
Favorite Pregame Meal/Snack: Goldfish
Pregame/Hype Song: “All of the Lights” (by Kanye West)
Typical Pregame Ritual: I’ll normally watch YouTube videos pertaining to what I’m about to play (Olympics for track, UT for volleyball and basketball)
South Georgia/April 2015
Rising Star
Erin Moss, Valwood School
Basketball, Volleyball, Track
Erin Moss: Valiant Excellence
By James Washington
