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For Abby Barnett, success has never been about standing still.
A senior at Drew Central High School, Barnett approaches life with a mindset that blends curiosity, confidence and a willingness to take initiative—qualities that have already set her apart both inside and outside the classroom.
Originally from Bradley County, she moved to Drew County at age 10 and began attending Drew Central in fourth grade. While her early years were typical of many students, high school marked a turning point—one that pushed her to think beyond day-to-day routines and focus on growth, service, and long-term goals.
“I feel like high school made everything more real,” Barnett said. “That’s when I started pushing myself to get involved and really figure out what I wanted to do.”
That drive led her into community service, including volunteering with SEARK Miracle League, where she served as a buddy to players, and helping with children’s programming at the Monticello Public Library during the summer months. At the same time, Barnett challenged herself to step out of her comfort zone through clubs and leadership roles, including student council.
But perhaps the clearest sign of her entrepreneurial spirit is what she has built on her own.
In recent months, she launched a photography business—now known as Evergreen Studio—turning a longtime passion into a growing venture. What began as uncertainty quickly turned into confidence when she booked her first wedding, followed by additional clients soon after.
“I didn’t really know what I was doing at first,” Barnett admitted. “But I just went for it. I’ve always loved capturing moments, and if I can help people preserve memories they’ll love, that means a lot to me.”
That same business mindset carries into her academic interests. Barnett plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello after graduation, where she intends to study business administration and marketing—fields she discovered early through Drew Central’s expanding business curriculum.
“I took a business class in eighth grade and it just clicked,” Barnett said. “I liked understanding how businesses think—how marketing works, how decisions get made. It felt natural.”
This year, she is enrolled in business intelligence courses that simulate real-world operations, requiring students to design businesses, market them, and solve practical problems. The hands-on approach has only reinforced her desire to lead rather than simply follow.
That leadership ability is already on display beyond the classroom as well. Barnett currently works as a project administrator intern with Clark Contractors, where she manages paperwork, coordinates documentation, tracks time sheets, and assists with project communication—responsibilities well beyond what many high school students experience.
“Going in, I didn’t know anything about construction,” Barnett said. “But it taught me to keep an open mind and trust myself. A lot of it comes down to problem-solving and being willing to figure things out.”
“Ms. Barnett has proved to be very reliable and hardworking. She has picked up on the role of project administrator that is usually taken on by college graduates,” Superintendent Peyton Shelton said. “She has proved time and time again that she has the necessary skills to take on new challenges with minimum explanation needed. Her problem-solving abilities are far greater than most her age.”
Those skills—organization, communication, adaptability—come naturally to Barnett, who credits years of public speaking and early leadership experiences for her confidence.
“I think I just got over those jitters early on,” Barnett said. “Once you realize you can speak up, it changes how you see yourself.”
Faith also plays an important role in her outlook. She attends New Life Assembly of God Church in Monticello and says her beliefs have helped shape her decision-making and sense of purpose.
“The more I put my faith into God, the more I see things work out,” Barnett said. “It’s changed how I think and how I handle uncertainty.”
As graduation approaches this spring, she knows the future may not be mapped out in every detail—but she’s comfortable with that. Whether continuing to grow her photography business, pursuing leadership roles in business, or exploring new opportunities, she remains focused on progress.
“I don’t want to just blend in,” Barnett said. “I want to lead. I want to build something meaningful.”
With her ambition, confidence, and heart for service, Abby Barnett represents the very best of Drew Central High School—and a future that’s already coming into focus.
