High school graduation season kicked off Wednesday with ceremonies at Flowing Wells High School. Scheduled speakers at commencement ceremonies share their advice to incoming students and thoughts about the class of 2011.
Flowing Wells
Katie Siwick, 18
• My advice to next year's freshman is: Enjoy every moment of your time in high school, because it's gone before you know it!
• My best day at high school was: The day of our last pep assembly. All of us seniors were so excited and full of energy and spirit.
• The best class of my high school career and why: Advanced Placement English composition my senior year with John Hudecek. Mr. Hudecek not only taught us how to be fantastic and compelling writers but he also prepared us for the real world with advice and stories from his own life.
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• The moment I realized what I want to do with my life was: When I volunteered at a Young Life summer camp for a month. I realized that I have a heart for serving others, something that is necessary for being a doctor.
• My own personal cheerleader is: My mom! I always say that she is my biggest fan. She's never missed a single awards ceremony, school play or sporting activity. She's truly amazing.
• What's next for me after graduation: I'm attending the University of Arizona in the fall, where I'll major in physiology. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending the University of California-Berkley for medical school, where I hope to specialize in pediatrics.
• Three words that describe the class of 2011 are: spirited, enthusiastic, driven. We're a class that doesn't take no for an answer and will always strive to defy expectations.
• An obstacle I faced and how I overcame it: My need to be perfect. I felt like I had to get the best grades and win all the awards to be good enough. I realized that I'm not defined by how many awards I win, but by my journey to get to where I'm going.
Shelley Shelton
Sahuarita
Amanda Schwarz, 18
• My advice to next year's freshmen is: Get involved. While keeping up with schoolwork is a huge priority, what will ultimately make a fulfilling, and not to mention fun, high school experience is involvement in clubs and activities.
• My best day at high school was: For "Broadway Characters" theme day for the Drama Club I came as ("Wicked's") Elphaba - head to toe green - and was sent home by the administration to shower and come back. It was fun while it lasted, and I learned a valuable lesson: It's not easy being green.
• The best class of my high school career and why: yearbook during my senior year. I wished I had joined sooner because it gave me a comprehensive view of the school and allowed me to become a part of every aspect of my high school in some way.
• The moment I realized what I want to do with my life was: On my 16th birthday I sat down and realized that architecture was a mathematical art that would allow me to work on a project and explore perspectives of the world. However, working with Christian Youth Theater, especially during the school days student shows of "Les Miserables," I realized that I could never give up the performing arts, because it truly sparks my passion.
• What's next for me after graduation: I will attend the University of Arizona and major in architecture with a minor in the performing arts.
Andrea Rivera
