by Valendy Pierre
Four more months left in their high school career. These four months will end in smiles and tears, or hopes and fears. The class of 2018 will bid their goodbyes as they step into the real world. For some it’s college, for some it’s the workforce. It’s incredible how much the seniors have accomplished here at Apopka High, whether it was in academics or in sports. If I were to touch on every seniors’ accomplishments, this article would turn into a book. I decided to acknowledge three amazing students who have done many things here and will do great things in the colleges and military branches they’ve been accepted to.
This senior came during her sophomore year, ready to make moves on the basketball court and on the football field. Her name is Ant (Antaneisha) McFarley. McFarley decided after high school that she will go into the US Navy and become a police officer. “I did apply to Baylor—but I decided to go to the Navy to get my maturity up,” explained Ant, when asked why she chose to go to the Navy. The Navy is not easy to get into. It has lots of requirements, but she is working really hard to meet them. Not only is Ant a good student, but she is also an amazing team player. “Ant is beloved by her teammates, has a great personality, and she’s a very talented player,” exclaimed Coach Houvouras, describing McFarley. “We expect she’s going to help us to excel and win another districts championship this year.” With that, I know Ant McFarley will be outstanding in the next four years.
I then chose an athlete who will most likely play in college. Not only is he an amazing player, but he is also a very intelligent young man. His name is William Barnes. Barnes has been playing football all four years here at APK. He has applied to quite a few schools and received scholarship offers from the University of North Carolina and the University of Florida. Aside from playing college football, he wants to major in Communications. “I like talking to people, and I want to take that talent and that major to go around the country to talk to underprivileged kids…,” responded Will when asked why he chose this for his major. “He is motivated, smart, and funny—and a role model for younger students,” said Ms. Palmer. William Barnes is a great teammate, a great friend, and a great student.
You can say that this young lady is one of the tops in her class. She is very involved here and a true scholar at heart. Though she applied to many schools like the University of South Florida and Princeton, etc., Cassidy Johnson has her mind set on one school: Vanderbilt University. “These are my safety schools,” she explained. “I hope to graduate from Vanderbilt.” She plans to major in Molecular Biology. “Cassidy is ridiculously responsible, she focuses on academics to the point of obsession…” explained Mrs. Houvouras, describing Cassidy Johnson as a student. “I would say she’s one of the top students I have in my AP classes for sure.” As stated before, Cassidy is one of the top students in her class and is destined to thrive in the next four years.
Congratulations all the seniors who have received acceptance letters from the colleges of their dreams, and to those that are still waiting to hear back from schools (if you are still waiting to hear back from your school of choice, remember to be patient it will come), and to those who have made it this far without giving up. Best of luck class of 2018!