BY DELANA HATFIELD, ENN Reporter
Mattie Nicole Ward is a member of the 2025 graduating class. She is the daughter of Robert and Maranda Ward of Edina. Throughout high school, Mattie has been involved in many activities, including FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, FBLA, Eagle Nation News, Quill and Scroll, Cheerleading, and FCCLA.
After graduation, Mattie plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, where she will pursue a degree in psychology, with plans to transfer and continue her education. In five years, Mattie sees herself living in Chicago, Ill., and taking on the world. Her advice to underclassmen is, “Don't take everything so seriously. It’s okay to get your assignments done and turned in, but have fun. Do the extracurricular activities.” If she had to describe herself in three words, Mattie would say she is "ambitious, hard-headed, and overwhelming."
One of her favorite high school memories is from the National Convention in Indianapolis. Some things on her bucket list are becoming a psychiatrist, traveling to Bora Bora, getting married, having kids, and owning a big white house where she can make homemade bread. Her biggest inspirations are her FFA Advisor, Mrs. Becca Dobrinske, School Counselor Mrs. Taylar Parrish and her mom, who she says makes her a better person every day and helps her to keep going when things are tough. “I truly look up to them,” she says.