// EDGEWOOD //
Sara Aguayo
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Graduating high school will mean starting a new chapter in my life, expanding my horizons, and exploring the world. It will also mean not being able to see my amazing friends every day—laughing together in the hallways, singing random songs, and joking around at lunch. Graduating high school means I’ll be able to take a part of Edgewood with me wherever I go, because it has become a small piece of who I am. At the same time, I know I’ll always leave a piece of myself at Edgewood, in the memories, friendships, and experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
The Spins by Mac Miller, Empire of the sun. I picked this song because me and my friends were on a late night drive and it just reminded us of all the fun we’ve had with each other for the past four years.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
One teacher who had the biggest impact on me was Mr. McCullough. I had him freshman year for English. Being a freshman can be intimidating, and many times it’s easy to close yourself off, stay quiet, and avoid answering questions in class. But Mr. McCullough inspired me to express myself. Mr. McCullough wasn’t just a teacher who lectured us, he expressed himself through teaching. There were days he stood on chairs, days he taught with an accent, and days he had us all read on the floor as if we were soldiers in war trenches. Because of this class, I learned not to care so much about what others think of me and to just be myself.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Advice I would give to my younger self would be don’t be scared to branch out, everyone is starting a fresh page. And just like you’re looking for friends, so is everyone else. At the end of senior year you’ll wish you would’ve made more friends or done sports, theater, clubs. So don’t be afraid to talk to someone new or start something different.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
The most surprising thing I learned about myself during high school is that I enjoy alone time and that it’s okay to not be busy every weekend.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
One thing that I look forward to doing in the coming year is being able to study something that I’m genuinely interested in and being able to meet new people who share similar goals and interests, grow more independent and challenge myself academically, and explore new opportunities and experiences.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I could see myself either finishing graduate school or continuing my education while working toward a career that I’m passionate about. I also hope to have my own place, travel to new places, become more independent, and continue growing personally and academically while gaining experience that will help me reach my long-term goals.
// EDGEWOOD //
Elie Amuzu-Gassou
What will graduating high school mean to you?
To me, graduating high school means starting my real life; it’s just the beginning.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
I used to listen to Caleb Gordon’s “Psalms 91” a lot during sophomore year, so probably that one.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Ms. Koziar always makes me confident in who I am and my capabilities. She’s always encouraging me to strive higher than I normally would because she believes in me. Through robotics, FBLA, and even math class, I’ll remember her for her work ethic that inspires me to keep going further everyday
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
I would say focus on getting good grades and making the most out of friendships and peers. Do what you like to do and don’t be afraid to join what clubs you’d like to join. And don’t just join a sport or a club because it seems like everyone else is. Spend your time enjoying what you actually like to do, because 4 years seems like a lot until you’re actually in your 4th year.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
What I learned about myself through high school is that I can still fail even if I really try to succeed, life happens. I may not make the sports team, win the app competition, or get perfect test scores. But I’ve realized that true and long lasting success comes from being motivated by what I’ve built over years, not from momentary titles or accolades given by others.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
I’m looking forward to building the dedication and new study habits that college will require. I’m also looking forward to spending my last moments of adolescence with my friends and family before I head off.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Five years from now, I plan to have completed my computer science degree and be launched into my tech career. Whether I’m developing apps or working on systems, I want to be actively building cutting-edge technology
// EDGEWOOD //
Karina Faucette
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Graduating high school means expanding my educational opportunities and achieving my goals.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Where Did all the Time Go by Dr. Dog. (on Tik Tok)
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
The teacher that had the most impact on me is Ms. Koziar, my math teacher. What I will remember most is her character. She is very kind and patient and always made sure to check on me and other students whether it was in the classroom or in our personal lives. In general, she was a light for me at Edgewood Highschool and I hope that she will continue to be the same for other students there.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to pursue anything that you might have a slight interest in doing. Take every opportunity and don’t let anyone dissuade you. And always have joy despite the circumstances because high school is hard and some days feel as though they are repeating and sometimes it may feel like you are getting nowhere. Choose positivity and optimism even if every day feels the same. So, take the initiative to change your life whether that means being more positive or taking risks and doing something new.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
Going into high school I thought I was an introvert. But in reality, I love people and I love talking to people. I feel like I tried to establish an identity of being quiet and not talking to people when I began high school.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
In the coming year I plan to take my education to the next level. I am very excited to go to a place that will have better facilities for me to study the way that I want to. I am also looking forward to building connections with a Christian Community at Northpark University.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself in the medical field, challenging racial bias. I have very diverse interests, some of which land in topics like social justice and accessible healthcare. I hope to combine both interests and contribute to the end of racist practices in healthcare.
// EDGEWOOD //
Isabela Sierra
What will graduating high school mean to you?
It means that I will be able to further my education and work towards getting the career that I want.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac because it talks about how things change.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
My art teacher because she always gave me the freedom to be as creative as I wanted and she always gave me good feedback.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Try hard from the start. Don’t work harder towards the end because what you do at the start of high school matters.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
I am smarter than I think. If I worked hard and focused, I was able to do well in all my classes.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Starting college. Transitioning into a different kind of environment that will challenge me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In med school
// EDGEWOOD //
Ian Arenas
What will graduating high school mean to you?
To me its proof that I put in the work for many more achievements that I have yet to work for. It represents me closing this chapter of my life and writing a new one.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Warmpop- George Clanton and Warmth- C418
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
I would say my piano teacher Ms. Maekawa because I have been taking her class for 4 year but not just because she is a good teacher but her character stands out a lot to me as well, she is super kind and is someone I do look up too.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
It’s everyone’s first year, you don’t have to be nervous to meet more people, in the end it doesn’t matter what others think. Be kind to others as everyone is fighting a battle that you cannot see, also don’t forget to do your best in class.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
That I am capable of change and although sometimes I can’t control what happens to me I do have the ability to control how I react or face a certain situation.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Starting university and becoming a better/stronger person
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still in pursuit of becoming better but also in a good state of mind and with a job where I don’t really have to worry about money.
// EDGEWOOD //
Ore Afolabi
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Graduating high school is a big accomplishment for me. It means a lot to be able to complete high school to go on to do bigger things like going to Texas Tech for Computer Engineering. I’ve always wanted to go the TTU, and having the opportunity to do so after finishing high school is a huge relief, just making sure to pray that all goes well.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
One on One. By Micah Dailey-White. The song gives such a good vibe where ever you are, and old R&B feel to the song makes it even better.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
The first one being my teacher Ms. Haynie, after our struggles at first, I ended up learning a lot more from her than I thought. Having such a teacher that is open outside school hours for practically anything is something not many people have.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Advice I would give myself is to definitely is to study more, and to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself mentally.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
One thing that surprised me was how much I like golf. At the moment, I’m dabbling in the sport, but eventually I would like to practice and get better.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
To move from the cold Wisconsin weather to the beautiful atmosphere of Texas.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Since I should be done with college around then, working at a job that I love (so anything with computers) and using my skills to do more for the world.
// EDGEWOOD //
Tinashe Hampton
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Graduating high school means a lot to me because it represents all of the hard work and effort that I’ve put in over the years. It marks the end of one important chapter in my life and the beginning of another. High school has helped me grow not only academically, but also personally and emotionally. I’ve learned lessons about responsibility, time management, and perseverance that I will carry with me into the future. Graduating also means stepping into adulthood and becoming more independent. While it is exciting to move forward, it is also a little emotional to leave behind familiar people, routines, and memories. I know that graduating will open the door to new opportunities and experiences. It will be the start of a new phase of life where I can continue discovering who I want to become. I look forward to meeting new people, reaching new goals, and creating new memories. Graduating will remind me that I am capable of achieving anything and continuing towards a meaningful and fulfilling future.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
The teacher that had the biggest impact on me was my Calculus AB teacher, Mr. Hylkema. There were many times when I felt overwhelmed by the material or thought I wasn’t smart enough to do well in the class. Instead of letting me give up, Mr. Hylkema always took the time to help me understand what I was struggling with. He created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and learning from my many mistakes. He would explain problems in different ways until I understood and constantly reminded me that I was capable of succeeding. His encouragement helped me gain confidence not only in math, but also in myself as a student. Over time, I became more confident in my abilities and realized that hard work and not being afraid to ask for help is the key to success. What I will remember most is how supportive and patient Mr. Hylkema was and how he inspired and motivated me to keep pushing myself even when things were difficult.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
The best advice I would give someone entering high school is to stay organized. Classes can and will get harder, but staying on top of homework and studying a little every day helps a lot. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Don’t compare yourself to others because everyone moves at their own pace. Enjoy the experiences and memories you make along the way.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
The most surprising thing I learned about myself during high school was how important perseverance is to me. There were times when classes became difficult or I felt overwhelmed, but I discovered that I don’t give up easily. Instead of quitting, I learned how to stay motivated and keep working towards my goals. Over time, I realized that I could stay organized and push myself to succeed even during stressful situations. I also realized how much I value personal growth and self-improvement. High school taught me that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning and becoming stronger. I learned that I am more determined than I once believed.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
One thing I am looking forward to in the coming year is exploring new opportunities and trying things I have never done before. I want to challenge myself to be more adventurous and open-minded. Whether it’s joining a new activity, learning a skill, or meeting different people, I think those experiences will help me grow as a person. I also hope these new experiences will help me become more confident in myself and my abilities. By stepping outside of my comfort zone, I hope to discover new interests and learn more about who I am as a person.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself graduating college with a degree in biomedical engineering and beginning my journey into medical school. I hope to use my education to help improve people’s lives in the future. I know the path will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and long hours of studying, but I am willing to put in the effort to achieve my goals. In addition to focusing on my education, I hope to travel more and experience different cultures around the world. Overall, I hope to be successful, motivated, and continuing to work toward the future I have always imagined for myself
// Madison East //
Abdulaziz Thomad
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Getting through all of the trial and errors that high school could give to you.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Juice by Chance The Rapper because I played that song all through my four years at high school.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
My ceramics teacher Ms. kin because I was in her class the most and I love ceramics as a whole.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Listen and pay attention as my dad says it
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
No matter what might happen even it isn’t much I always have a smile on my face.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Having fun, getting a job because money is a necessity in life.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in the trades doing something and being financially stable.
// Madison East //
Aminata Sow
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Going on to the next chapter in my life
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Champagne toast by Blood Orange
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Ms. Watermolen, she was always very kind and her class was always refreshing to hangout in during lunch.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Don’t slack freshman year and join a lot of clubs
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
I love hanging out with people and meeting new people but I don’t really like physical contact like hugging.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
I’m looking forward to upgrading my closet and style!!!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Starting my dream job
// Madison East //
Ibrahim Danioko
What will graduating high school mean to you?
It will be the end of one era and the beginning of another
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Try everything – Shakira
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Ms Vera Naputi. I’ll always remember what she did for me and my family
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Lock in at the start and stay that way all year
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
That I have long arms
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Beginning my major at Madison college
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Graduated working an engineering job
// Madison East //
Godfrey Bradshaw III
What will graduating high school mean to you?
To me, graduating high school means taking the first step on to my future path, and that I am on step closer to being where I want to be in my life.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
We Are Young (Janelle Monae, fun.)
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
The person who left the biggest impact on me has been a teacher of mine that I’ve had since freshman year. She has been one of my biggest inspirations for the trajectory I wish to take affter high school, and will always be responsible for my love for cooking. I will always remember and cherish the lessons the Ms. Sonnemann have imparted on me.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Advice I would give to someone who is just entering highschool is your life should she have as much balance as possible. Of course your responsibilities as a student matter, but make sure you also have friends or a community that you can fall back every so often. Join clubs and try new things, these years should be something you look back on and smile.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself during high school is that I am not nearly as unique as I thought I was. Everywhere I went, I could find someone who in some way was very similar to me. There were groups of people or clubs for almost everything I’ve been interested in, and even ones for things I didnt know I was interested in yet, and am so grateful for the friends and communities I’ve gained from them.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
In the next year I am excited to experience what college will be like, and how it will be to live as a student of higher education.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I will have graduated from UW and I plan to be in the ealry to mid stage of developing my buisness. I expect to still be in the Wisconsin or Minnesota area and will be hoping to open my bakery soon within the next year.
// Madison LaFollette //
Kira Smith
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Not so much for me but more for family because I know everything I have been doing to graduate and be an outstanding student for my parents and all of my family. So graduating will be a testament to prove that all my hard work during these 4 years was worth it and that I made my family proud.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Ivy by frank ocean
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
A person in high school that had the most impact on me in high school is Ms, Oslon and something I will remember about her is how she always provided help to me and my family when we needed financial help. As well as being an emotional support person I can go to if I just need to talk or vent.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
A piece of advice I would give to my younger self is that it’s okay to have low moments, but don’t get stuck in them and remember that you’re going to have a lot of high moments in your life
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
The most surprising thing I learned about myself Is that I’m not as lazy as I thought and when I actually pay attention I can understand things easily
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Entering my freshman year of college and getting to connect with people outside of high school
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself done with college with a degree in nursing and on my way to take the NCLEX exam around this time. I’m hopefully have my own apt with at least one roommate and a steady work position in a hospital.
// Madison LaFollette //
Rebecca Oruruo
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Graduating high school will be the start to a new life for me. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison in the fall. Even though the location is the same I will be living in a completely new environment.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Pursuit of Happiness- Kid Cudi.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Mr. Milton is a teacher who helped me get connected to many opportunities and scholarships which helped me guarantee a better future.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
If I could tell a younger version of myself advice for entering high school for the first time it would be to not let anxiety control you or your ambitions. The first year of high school a student should get out of their comfort zone by trying new things and deepen their interests by joining different organizations and clubs.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
My interests throughout high school surprised me a lot. For example when I tried out for tennis or being a part of the orchestra for all four years.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Moving forward into the coming school year I’m excited to meet new people and expand my knowledge in my interests. In college I’ll be exposed to a lot more stuff in the classroom and outside of it which excites me a lot. The opportunities and experiences that would prepare me for a future in the medical field is something I appreciate about college.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years from now I hope to be attending my first year of medical school out of state.
// Madison LaFollette //
Thian Riak
What will graduating high school mean to you?
It will mean that I accomplished a big chapter of my life.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Dreams and nightmares by meek mill.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
My parents because they helped me with a lot.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Don’t be shy or nervous.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
It gets very independent.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Basketball.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Playing basketball at the next level.
// Madison Memorial //
Jaiyedyn Williams
What will graduating high school mean to you?
Growth and mental stability it’s showing me how far I’ve come from freshman year.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Cinderella by Mac Miller.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Mrs. Jones. She is the one person in school that will actually be there for you and guide you through anything I’ll forever remember everything about her.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Choose your crowd very wisely!! If you have to stay to yourself and do some things alone that is okay!
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
That I can actually break out of my shell.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Exploring a new side of myself.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Starting law school and being independent.
// Madison Memorial //
Kelvin Washington
What will graduating high school mean to you?
This will mean everything to me.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Raindance- Dave ft Tems.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Mrs. Jones taught me to go after the things I want with passion and perseverance.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Don’t let people influence you, take you off your path.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
I am way different from my peers.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Continuing my path in the navy.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working a job I enjoy.
// Madison West //
Mia Ozanne
What will graduating high school mean to you?
A great accomplishment and stepping stone in my educational journey.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Hot Wings from Rio. It is the song of the varsity soccer team, so I will always associate it with high school and soccer.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
Sagan Pizzingrilli, my soccer coach. She has been such a positive mentor and influence on me and really helped me grow as a person and a soccer player. I will always remember our jokes and our good conversations, and just overall how amazing of a person she is.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Try everything out! Whether it’s clubs, sports, or new friends, make sure to get involved and put yourself out there!
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
I changed in so many ways, and so discovering who I was and what I wanted to be was very fun.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Playing division 1 soccer.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Attending law school.
// Malcolm Shabazz //
Divine – Jeanie Shree Taylor
What will graduating high school mean to you?
For me, graduating will mark the closing of a chapter in my childhood and the opening of a new journey as I navigate adulthood.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
A song that will always remind me of this time in my life is “Congratulations ” by Post Malone.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
The teacher who has had the largest impact on my four years of high school would be my experimental work experience teacher Erik because he’s always genuinely believed in me and offered unwavering support.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
The advice I would give to my younger self, or to someone entering high school, is to cherish every moment because it’ll all go by fast.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself is that I have the ability to be great in any situation or environment as long as I’m authentically myself.
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
I’m looking forward to new opportunities and experiencing the perspective of life.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I see myself having a successful career and being able to travel with my mom and sister around the world to explore different cultures.
// Verona Area //
Reese Manning
What will graduating high school mean to you?
A celebration of all the work and commitment I put into the past 13 years of schooling.
What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Daylight by Maroon 5.
Which teacher or person had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?
I have made so many special connections with all of my teachers that it is almost impossible to choose just one. If I have to just pick one, Ms. Stremlow has been a really big role model for me as her love for teaching makes me so excited every day to do what she does.
What advice would you give your younger self (or anyone else) entering high school for the first time?
Don’t take anything too seriously because time will pass and things will be okay, also try new things, meet new people, and step out of your comfort zone as much as possible!
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during high school?
I never saw myself being involved in Student Council, but I ended up being a two-year President and I loved it so much. I never knew I would be interested in it!
What is one thing that you are looking forward to doing in the coming year?
Meeting new people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be a teacher and living in a state that is nice and warm year-round.
