Photo by James Gilmore
It’s not far-fetched to say that Pickerington High School Central Drumline member Laveta Burke marches to her own beat.
In addition to pursuing music, theater and modeling, 17-year-old senior Laveta Burke is also pursuing a career in neuroscience.
“I never really imagined myself being where I am now,” Burke says. “It’s kind of crazy to see how far I’ve grown. … (It’s) mind blowing to me.”
Burke holds the position of first female African American starring section leader for Central’s drumline, and also as the lead of the school’s upcoming musical, Aida. Though each of Burke’s various accomplishments has made an impact on her life, it is her time leading the band as Central’s drumline section leader that stands out to her the most.
“That’s not just my personal achievement, it’s an achievement with the city,” she says. “If I were anywhere else, I don’t think I would have gotten the same opportunities as I have now.”
Burke serves as a leader to her peers outside of band, too, and she tries to motivate those around her to excel.
“I have gained a lot of friends over the years,” she says. “We all push each other to be better.”
I
n addition to her pursuits in theater and music, Burke is also an academically driven student. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was accepted this past December to the University of Cincinnati’s neuroscience program. In addition to her plans of becoming a neuroscientist, she hopes to continue to pursue music.
“I want to do both music and science at the same time,” Burke says. “I want to be a neuroscientist … but I want to do gigs and keep the music side of me going.”
Having an array of passions has helped Burke realize what it means to have a positive perspective and stay true to herself.
“As long as you’re being yourself there’s nothing more you can possibly do,” she says. “No one likes when you think you’ve learned who somebody is and then come to find out they’re not the person you expected.”
This positive energy comes from difficult circumstances and a strong faith. When Burke was 5 years old, her father died. Two years later, on her birthday, her brother also died. Although it was a tragic time for Burke, she found strength in her family and feels she only grew from the experience.
“I firmly believe everything happens for a reason,” Burke says. “I can’t imagine not going through what I’ve been through, because I don’t know who I’d be today.”
Burke’s strong faith also plays a large role in her life and has influenced her goals. She says it has only grown stronger over the past few years.
“I’ve grown so far in my faith,” she says. “Seeing what God has planned for me … nothing can stop my impending success.”
Elizabeth Tzagournis is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
