We’ve lived in Ford’s company for almost five years, since 2019. My family is very important to me. My father, Clayton Duncan, recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army after 27 years of dedicated service. My mother, Nadia Duncan, has been the owner of Posh Salon since 2014. I also have a younger brother, Charlie. My baby sister, Miriam, is a first grader and aspiring artist. Additionally, my youngest sibling, Reed, is passionate about cars. We also have four pets—two golden retrievers, Rosie and Ruby, and two American Shorthair cats, PB and Jay.

After high school, I plan to study business and international relations at William & Mary. I will also be joining the ROTC Army cadet program at William & Mary and pursuing an active-duty military career after college. Outside of academics, I’ve been involved in sports and extracurricular activities. I’ve been on the Walsingham volleyball team and the varsity swim team. Last spring, I participated in the school’s production of “Grease” as part of the stage crew. 

In addition, I serve on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for James City County. Through YAC, I regularly volunteer on weekends and during breaks. I started with YAC through a close friend who referred me to the program. We shared mutual views on improving our community, and after my admission, I was eager to get involved. Serving on YAC has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to share my passion for making positive changes in our local community. One of the most fulfilling aspects is working with a diverse group of board members from across the community, all united by the goal of raising awareness for various groups, especially teens. I also love volunteering directly in my community, such as when I participated in the Trunk or Treat event for Special Needs youth last fall. 

Some highlights of my experience with YAC include my involvement in the production of the JCC Teen Mental Health website and the planning of a Teen Center. This work is deeply personal for me, as several of my loved ones have struggled with mental health and isolation. By sharing their stories, I hope to help teens in Williamsburg feel seen and connected despite their challenges. More recently, I helped organize the Youth Advisory Council’s first annual Merry Madness basketball games, where first responders, parks, and recreation staff played games, raising donations to improve our community. 

What makes me unique in YAC is my experience as a member last year, which has allowed me to bring valuable insights to my current role as secretary. In addition to keeping organized notes from meetings, I collaborate closely with the president and vice president of YAC to ensure that our meetings and volunteer activities run smoothly and efficiently. 

Balancing sports, school, and other activities requires strong time management. I prioritize schoolwork and studying, getting everything done as early as possible. I also use weekends to prepare for the busy week ahead. Sports and extracurricular activities, like YAC, demand a high level of commitment, and I make sure to invest the necessary time and effort to ensure quality outcomes. I also keep my future in mind when making decisions, focusing on habits and actions that will support my long-term goals. 

The person I admire most is my father, Clayton Duncan. He has been an unwavering provider for our family for over 20 years. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to appreciate his relentless determination in everything he does—whether it’s work, family, or home improvement. He’s an inspiration, and I aspire to approach challenges with the same resolve and resourcefulness that he does.