10 high school seniors weigh in on 2021, their plans
Distance learning, safety protocols and “creative events” were all part of a year seniors didn’t expect when school began last fall, but they had an idea what could happen, especially after the abrupt halt in spring 2020. What they did know was that anything could change at any moment. With that, they embraced and cherished every opportunity to enjoy the moment. Most of all, they all had lots of hope for their future success. For more, visit chron.com/grads.
“Senior year was not what I expected. I was expecting more trips and events, but I feel at the end of the day, we made it work. I was able to go to our senior breakfast and our last high school dance, the Last Round Up. I was able to do mariachi with our instructor, Jose Longoria, as we had a successful outdoor concert. In the future I hope to become a WWE star. Since I was 9, it’s what I’ve always wanted to be.”
Antonio Avila, 18, Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center
“I’ve been doing remote learning since the spring semester of junior year. I told myself what to expect and be mentally prepared prior to the kick-start of my senior year, that it would be mostly virtual learning. I needed to get used to interacting with my friends, classmates, and teachers virtually. I sure hope for a ‘back-tonormal’ future, but will do my best to adjust to any circumstances and take it one step at a time. I also want to go to university and pursue a pre-med track.”
Raymond Venice C.
Cagumbay, 19, Jones Futures Academy
“I enjoyed my senior year. It really showed how much I took face-to-face schooling for granted. I always love to go to school and see the people who provided me with life-changing opportunities during my four years at Worthing. Also, personally I was diagnosed with severe eczema, which causes me a lot of pain. I use (this) as a reminder of pain and suffering others are going through. I want to become a doctor who creates cures. After graduation I plan to attend Rice University and major in neuroscience.”
“I was able to play varsity golf all year. We just had our senior prom and voted for prom king and queen. We had a homecoming football game, but not a homecoming event. I didn’t want to wear a mask all day (at school), so I stayed virtual for a long time. I was glad to go back to in-person. I’ve been in Young Men’s Service League, and we didn’t get to have our annual banquet in person, but we had a virtual party. I accepted a … scholarship to Concordia University Texas in Austin, so I’ll start this fall.”
Cole Evans, 18, Cinco Ranch High School
“Two years ago, I would not have expected half of my classmates would be taking class online. I was really nervous going to school in the middle of a pandemic, but grew accustomed to wearing a mask all the time and taking the necessary precautions to stay safe. We were able to keep some traditions such as sporting events and fine arts performances. After graduation my plans are to go to Texas A&M University and major in psychology. I plan on becoming a family and marriage therapist so I can help people….”
“My senior year was as normal as things can be with everything happening with COVID-19. Wearing a face mask didn’t bother me because that’s our new normal way of life, and same thing with social distancing. Senior Last Round Up was so perfect, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. It replaced prom, but I still had a great time. My biggest fear was the realization that this is my final year. Once it’s over, life as an adult officially starts and I’m in the real world. I plan on going into the Navy.”
Joe M. Reyes, 18, Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center
“Our year began virtual, then we moved to hybrid learning where half were online for two days and half were in person for two days. We all had Wednesday off. We were allowed to participate in sports and extracurriculars, so I was able to do my last year of cheerleading. We didn’t exactly get a prom from our school; we got a dinner and went to Dave and Buster’s. I didn’t expect to be in a pandemic or not get everything other seniors have gotten in the past like homecomings, proms, etc. It was just very different. My plan for after graduation is to go to LSU and major in marketing.”
Elizabeth Stidham, 17, St. Pius X High School
“We began a few weeks late, but I chose face to face (classes). Senior year went better than I expected. I figured we’d have multiple shutdowns, and thankfully that did not happen. I was glad to be around my friends and back on the basketball court. I was able to play basketball, but limited to two tickets per game. We didn’t have a homecoming dance, but with the help of our moms, we had a nice homecoming dinner outside with our friends. I will attend University of Arkansas and enjoy my time, meet new people and make new friendships throughout the four years.”
Carson Ultis, 19, Memorial High School
“This year, I chose to start on campus. At first it was strange not seeing everyone, but I quickly adjusted. We were able to keep prom and sports games, but homecoming was canceled at the beginning of the year. (This year) was not what I expected it to be. There were many challenges I had to overcome. Now that it’s the end of the year, I could not be more grateful for the experience high school gave me. In the future, I hope to graduate college and go into a medical job. I love helping animals in every way possible. I’m looking at vet school after college (Texas Tech University).”
Grace Walters, 18, Klein Cain High School
“Virtual and face-to-face learning were a bit daunting, but I was determined to continue my success and strive. I had the amazing honor and delight to serve as the National Honor Society president. It allowed me to participate as a philanthropist, which I love. One of our projects was our Sock and Food Drive; we made a positive impact on the community. This year I’ve faced challenges, which included working two jobs and remaining caught up on my homework. I plan to attend Clark Atlanta University and major in political science, and after attend TSU-Thurgood Marshall School of Law.”
Anniya Washington, North Forest High School