Gearing Up For Graduation

By: Gracie Pearson

     As the school year comes to an end, seniors are eager to graduate and begin the next chapter in their lives. Graduation will be held May 23 at 7:30 p.m. on the football field. There are approximately 725 seniors graduating, and the ceremony will last about two hours. Considering it is Red Mountain’s 25th anniversary, there are special features that this graduation will include.

    “Usually a board member does a short speech, and Dr. Slemmer presents the academic and extracurricular highlights of the senior class,” said Assistant Principal Ms. Barriga. “Special music is also being composed for the 25th anniversary.”

     Seniors are anticipating the chance to move on from high school to start working toward future endeavors. Life after high school is their opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have cultivated and to show that they are capable of living on their own.

     “I’m excited to graduate because I’ll be able to start life in the real world,” said senior Maria Bateman. “I’m looking forward to getting out on my own and starting my future.”

     Graduating high school may seem like a small milestone, but it creates memories that stay with the students forever. Whether it was admirable achievements or the social side of high school, high school will hold a special place in everyone’s hearts.

     “I will remember my friends, my teachers and all the funny times I’ve had,” said senior Chandler Gallego. “Although I have many memorable experiences, the one that stands out is when I broke the course record in cross country at the City Meet.”

     The classes at Red Mountain have given seniors the tools and knowledge required to do an exemplary job in college. Career Technical Education, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment and College Preparatory are some of the few classes that have given students study and time management skills. Many would say taking these classes has made them a better student and has taught them the consequences of procrastination.

     “The advanced classes have prepared me most. They have lessened my college load and have prepared me for the studying I’m going to be doing,” said senior Avery Ross. “In college, I won’t have to take a math or science class. I never realized how much taking those classes would pay off.”

     From their past three years at high school, seniors have undoubtedly learned many important lessons and plan to apply these as they leave for college, work and other destinations.

     “Be yourself, don’t conform at all and strive to do your best,” said senior Tyler Kemper. “I see so many kids not caring at all about what they do. In high school you learn so much about who you are and whom you want to become.”

     For more information about the graduation ceremony, contact Ms. Rothe in the Administration office.