For Savannah Webb, High school was full of surprising twists and personal growth. The onset of COVID-19 during her freshman year caused a shift into online learning, which was a challenging adjustment for Savannah and many of her classmates.
“I think I became a learned introvert due to the pandemic, and I was very socially cautious,” Savannah said.
During her sophomore year, she started to come out of her shell and get involved in different extracurriculars, including choir and drama. It was there that she met now one of her closest friends, Libby Borst.
“I’ve watched Savannah grow into such an amazing and beautiful person in the time that I’ve known her,” Libby said.
Webb has learned many important lessons over the last four years, including the importance of relinquishing control.
“I’m the kind of girl that loves a good plan,” Savannah said. “I like to have everything figured out in advance, but life doesn’t always allow that.”
She realized that sometimes you just have to trust that it’s all going to work out.
“I think that perspective is really important in all aspects of life. I try to recognize that I can only control my actions and reactions, and I’ve made peace with that,” Savannah said.
During her junior year of high school, Savannah organized and performed in a benefit concert that raised money for multiple charities in the Wenatchee Valley.
“Savannah is such a wonderful student,” said choir teacher Dawn McCormick. “It was really cool to see her contributing to the community like that.”
Among numerous high school memories, Savannah will always remember the last week of her junior year.
“Nobody reminds you that this is the last time you will be in high school for that last week of school,” Savannah said.
She spent that last week of her junior year in the familiar music and science halls, hanging out with friends, helping teachers and watching movies.
“It was so meaningful because after one of my hardest, most stressful years of high school, after all the finals and AP tests were done, I was still here, I had survived,” Savannah said. “I was so proud of myself, and it made that last week so special.”
Savannah was heavily involved in the drama department and starred as Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes” during the fall of her senior year.
“Savannah is incredibly talented,” McCormick said. “She has a beautiful voice and is such a captivating performer.”
At the 2023-2024 Apple Awards, Webb was awarded two awards: lead actress in a musical and the spirit of Marilynn Everheart award.
“It was really special to receive both awards after investing so much time and passion into all of my theatrical roles over the years,” Savannah said.
Webb’s close friend Amie Kate Canlis also appreciates her for what she brings to the stage.
“She has the most beautiful voice ever, and I definitely think that’s something people will remember about her,” Amie Kate said.
One of the biggest life lessons Savannah has learned is to enjoy the ride.
“I’ve learned that being present really makes a big difference in life,” Savannah said. “Enjoying the drive to school or taking the time to stop and talk to that teacher I haven’t talked to in a while.”
She’s learned that simple things like spending time with her little sister or having dinner with her family are what really matters.
“Going through high school has made me realize that once everything unimportant melts away, you’re left with your experience, your memories and the connections that you’ve made,” Savannah said.
Amie Kate has witnessed a lot of this personal growth.
“Savannah has become so much more confident and sure of herself, and it’s really cool to watch her grow,” Amie Kate said.
Webb’s advice to incoming freshmen would be to try everything and to not let fear get in the way of you getting involved.
“Just do it,” Savannah said. “Don’t even think. Just do it.”
Savannah will attend the University of Oregon in the fall on a full-ride scholarship for vocal performance.
“I would love to make a difference in people’s lives through teaching and performing music,” Savannah said. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact music can have on others, and I would love to be that vessel.”
She’s leaving behind a legacy of love, according to Libby and Amie Cate.
“Savannah is very good at making people feel loved,” Libby said. “She is so supportive and kind, and I think people will remember her positivity.”
Amie Kate explains that people will remember Savannah’s giving nature more than anything.
“Savannah is such a light in this world,” Amie Kate said. “She gives so much love to everyone around her without expecting anything in return, and that is truly amazing.”
Savannah wishes that after she graduates, people will remember feeling loved, appreciated and seen by her.
“I have strived to make connections with others, whether that be through something as simple as a smile or a long conversation in the passenger seat of my car,” Savannah said. “I hope people remember feeling loved.”