Throughout her four years at Akins High School, senior Tyra Williams has compiled a complex resumé of awe-inspiring work.

In 2016 alone she has simultaneously won 1st place for the school in nationals for forensics, and 3rd place in finals herself. She has also produced exceptional work in the film program, creating and directing an entire film her junior year.

Tyra has also performed in every theatre production Akins has put on since her freshman year.

Melissa Royer, Arts and Humanities Academy Coordinator, said she feels lucky to have Williams as a student.

“She brings positive attention to our high school,” Royer said. “She has worked very hard to get where she is at. Not only am I proud of her but I am proud of her on behalf of Akins High School.”

Williams has focused on her artistic and speech and performance skills in high school, and is also discovering new avenues after high school.

“Maybe like some acting too or something artsy. I don’t really fully know yet,” Williams said. “I just know I want to help young adults and children who are going through stuff.”

She is considering studying to become a therapist or social worker for adolescents.

Her main goal is to be happy and not stressed. She wants to help people and talk more about mental health problems and eliminate the stigma surrounding it. This is evident in her work dedicated to the social services program at Akins by producing an informative short film about stigmas around mental illness.

“I still desire to stay rooted into the arts but I also want to help others through their mental health condition and life battles. No one should ever feel like an outcast. We’re all human. We all feel human emotions. ” Williams said.

Williams also wants to show people her art and stories she created.

“It’s really fun and I think it’s beautiful. It’s weird because you become somebody else, and like live their life, and it’s a real eye opener. It’s really a good way to learn about humanity and life and so I guess I do it to learn about the meaning of life.” Tyra said.

Williams competed in the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions in Denver, Colorado in mid May, winning 4th in the country in Dramatic Interpretation.

Jesus Valles, her speech teacher, said Williams is an exemplar of tenacity, discipline and will.

“As a competitor for Akins’ speech team, Tyra has represented Akins in both state and national finals and has demonstrated that the best performance are those forged in courage, artistry, and with social justice as their focus,” Valles said. “I look forward to seeing her triumph in life.”