Plans shifted in a rush, again. The forecast for rain tested the senior class and senior sponsor’s ability to “adapt to the situation” yet again as the campus hosted Senior Fiesta, an outdoor festival alternative to traditional prom. Organizers began planning Fiesta when the district announced in April that prom would not be a possibility for the Class of 2021.
Held on campus Saturday, May 15, the class of 2021 gathered to eat from food trucks, play games, take their turn at the dunk tank, “axe” throwing, raffles and bouncy house obstacle courses. There were also tournament-like events with several teams set up by the senior sponsors, art teacher Mandy Clarson and choir teacher Miguel Ochoa. At the end of the day, there was an award ceremony to recognize the students accomplishments over the past four years.
“At first I was a little disappointed that we didn’t have a prom, but I really enjoyed the fiesta because it was more casual and I was able to meet more people. I wouldn’t have put prom over it,” senior Victoria Bristow said.
Some even thought that having the fiesta instead of prom was better for the students.
“I think it was better than a prom. I got to spend time actually doing things with people and it was more laid-back. We actually got to enjoy each others company rather than worry about dresses, hair and other superficial things,” senior Isabelle Trevino said.
Gathering together at the end of the year gave students a great opportunity to get together after dealing with the roadblocks of virtual learning and being unable to meet during the pandemic.
“It was an amazing to end the year because so many of us got to reconnect with people that we hadn’t seen in a very long time and we got to spend it with people that we didn’t get to see all year,” Trevino said.
The fiesta also gave students an opportunity to celebrate each others achievements that they had accomplished in their high-school career. An award ceremony was held at the end of the day where awards such as best male/female athlete were handed out.
“A few of my friends did (received an award) and it was nice to cheer for them and celebrate their win together, ” Bristow said.
As we say good-bye to our seniors, we recognize their resilience for the abnormal school year and thank them for the perseverance they have shown. And if there’s one thing they have taken away from the past four years, it’s to never give up.
“Don’t stop pushing, keep trying for the things you want. Understand that the sky is the limit and the only thing stopping you is yourself,” Trevino said.
