Echos in hallways are heard, last performances are performed, laps across the pool, notes that are held in harmony are all part of the same thread that tie to passion.
Across the diverse programs at our school, swim team, theater, drill, ROTC, choir, band, etc. Students carry more than just titles and uniforms. They carry memories, dreams, and a deep love for what they do. For many, their journey started with a simple reason that turned into something unforgettable.
“I joined swimming just to be close to my sister,” senior Sofia Razo said. “My freshman year at district, me and my
sister were on the same relay, there was no chance of us meddling at all. We didn’t think we’d even place, and then we got third. Standing next to her on that podium, I’ll never forget that.”
It wasn’t just medals that left a mark, though. The late nights, the practices, the grind, soccer became therapy to many.
“Soccer motivated me to come to school,” senior Philip Morales said. “Playing was like a break, like counseling, in a way. Just one period to get away. We went so far in the playoffs, we went a lot further
than what everybody expected. To be honest, even the rankings had us low, everybody had us doubting us, and then we went all the way to regional finals.”
For others, it was the stage that called them. Theater is a chance to show what you know, to shine.
“I didn’t know it would be this hard,” senior Aniah Ross said. “But I still would’ve done it. For my 
junior year, in the descendants musical, I played Audrey. I had a solo, a song to myself, and they gave me a riff at the end of the song and they gave me a dance break. I felt euphoric. I loved it. Everyone was saying, ‘Aniah, we didn’t know you could sing!’ Me either.”
JV instructor senior Jordan Boston says that Drill brought “sisterhood and leadership” to her life.
“At first, I wasn’t sure if I knew what I was doing,” senior Jordan Boston said. “But I had four JV members who welcomed me with open arms. We told the new dancers, if you ever
need anything, we’re just a phone call away.”
In ROTC, freshmen are given a chance to continuously improve and move up in rank
“I told myself I would become battalion commander, and I did,” senior Nia Townsend 
said. “I got the position when I was freshman year. But that’s not what made it memorable. What made it so memorable was Sergeant Subs told us that the arm drill team got first place on mixed color guard. This was the first time we got first place. And this is my first time, not my first time commanding a color guard at a meet, but my first time commanding such a big, important meet.”
In choir, it is required to sing together, as a group, and to make harmony with one another, never alone.
“It helped me find my voice,” senior Beyonce Thomas said. “Now, I try to guide the underclassmen like others guided
me. I know they’ll fill our shoes. I’ll still come to the concerts, I believe in them.”
In volleyball, regardless of all the different positions, all of them are equally important.
“At first I wanted to be a hitter,” senior Carlee Kitchen. “But setting is behind the
scenes, and I love it. And the day before I had to go to the hospital having surgery, my whole team stopped me and did a send off for me. I’ll always remember that.”
Passion is lived in the bleachers and sidelines. Senior Nicholas Garza describes the joy of Friday nights and competitions.
“It kept life from being boring,” Garza said. “Instead of going home, we had games, competitions. It was fun. We would ask everyone, did you do your best? And that’s what mattered.”
Now, as graduation looms, there are mixed feelings across the school.
“I’m ready to graduate,” Townsend said. “But it’s weird. I’ve walked these halls for four years. Now it might be my last time. No more bells, no more cafeteria food, it’s just strange.”
Despite the inevitable goodbyes, one message echoes from all corners of the campus: the passion never fades. Whether it was the thrill of competition, the joy of performance, or the love of a team, these students will carry la pasión with them wherever they go.
“Don’t let one bad day make you think you have a bad life,” Boston said. “That one hour doesn’t define your whole journey. Passion is what kept us going, even when it was hard. That’s what we’ll carry with us forever.”
