Waldron Co-Salutatorian values the impact teachers can make on children

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of feature stories celebrating the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians at the five high schools in Shelby County.

Ashlin Day has seen the difference a teacher can make in a child’s life. She has been the recipient of good advice and better support when life felt tough.

Now she wants to be that kind of difference maker. The Waldron High School Co-Salutatorian of the Class of 2026 with Haddison Johnson will attend Indiana University Columbus in the fall to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.

Day is the only child of James and Tammy Day. She admits she is close with her father who struggles with hearing difficulties and her mother who has battled cancer. Securing enough scholarships to pay for her education and remain able to live at home provides Day, who will be the first in her family to go to college, with the perfect opportunity to stay near home and grow into a career.

“My dad literally cries when it comes to talking about this,” she said. “He is so proud of me. My mom, she is not a very emotional person, but she is really proud of me. I know she is.”

Day’s rise from her initial class ranking of fifth as a freshman to second overall spurred her confidence. Years before she reached high school she tested above her grade level but she never felt ready for advanced classes.

“I saw the progress myself,” she explained. “I saw it in elementary school but I didn’t realize it. In eighth grade I started making all As. My junior year, I realized I can make it in college. I can do something with my life.”

Day would enjoy being a kindergarten teacher because they are “so innocent” but she understands she may have a greater impact on a sixth grader.

“In sixth grade, they are still innocent but they are so co-dependent,” she said. “They still need you but they are trying to be independent but they don’t know how to.”

Her own life hardships and the ability to speak Spanish fluently as well as knowing American Sign Language will make her a valuable resource to a future school system.

Day was not informed she would be co-salutatorian until graduation rehearsal day. Her grade point average was nearly identical to Haddison Johnson’s  and the school decided not to take the honor away from either over a decimal point.

While Johnson was prepared to make a graduation speech, Day had little time to get organized. She relied on help from Johnson and valedictorian Noah Mitchell to get started. Once the speech came together, it was time to deal with her fear of public speaking.

“I was freaking out. I had one day to write a speech. I have never done public speaking before,” said Day, who admitted she had never even attended a graduation ceremony before. “I am more of an introverted person. I don’t like public speaking. I was nervous.”

The result was a short but focused speech on all the memories her graduating class cherished.

“I spoke really fast. I didn’t look up at all. I think it went the best it could have,” said Day with a smile.

Throughout high school, Day learned she can rely on others for help. The end result has now jumpstarted her into a career that needs strong leaders and mentors.

“I want to be there for somebody,” said Day. “I feel like it’s very important for children to have somebody to go to. A lot don’t have that support system at home like I did.”

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