Written By: Daniel Holscher, Staff Writer
DEPARTURE: As the 2023-2024 school year comes to a close, another batch of our seniors are set to leave campus.
Class Of 2024:
Nevaeh Henderson is a senior here at Poly High School who is coming up on her last few weeks of high school. Her affable personality and confident mindset have led her through the trials and tribulations that high school has presented her. Throughout her years at Poly she has always stayed consistent with her love for Cheer and Stunt, her main sport. After trying out for Track and Field she ultimately made the decision to shift all of her love and dedication to Cheer. Nevaeh has earned herself the title of Captain on the team through her wits and talent for the sport she loves. “Growing up I’ve always seen cheerleaders, and I’ve always wanted to be busy doing something,” Nevaeh expressed. Cheering is something that gives her happiness and a feeling of accomplishment. Rather it be the team nailing a challenging stunt together, or a bonding experience they won’t forget, it is obvious she feels real love for the sport. “If I didn’t do Cheer I would probably be lazy, and I don’t want to be lazy,” Nevaeh says.
The team has gone through some dramatic changes during her time on the mats. “The team now is so much more closer and united as compared to Freshman year where we were mostly separated,” she noted. Throughout the four years here the team has grown to become closer and more trusting of each other, giving her that settling environment in which to work. “There are definitely some days where we are moody, but seeing us stunting would give a sense of our energy,” she also mentioned. With being so involved in Stunt and Cheer comes numerous opportunities provided and offered to members of the team. Neveah’s experience was no different, and she confidently expressed that, “No. I think I did everything I needed to do.”
With Cheer and Stunt under wraps, and Neveah’s year coming to a somber end, she reflected on one of her inspirations to wake up everyday and dedicate herself to the sport. “My biggest inspiration? Probably my mom.” Neveah explains that her mom “pushes her to do what she needs to do” and “just wants her to be great;” for that she is eternally grateful. As those doors shut, more are sure to open; the countless possible experiences at Poly and beyond presenting themselves for Neveah to take advantage of.
The Poly High School Experience:
Poly High School has been introduced to some of the most drastic changes of its history within the past four years. From Nevaeh’s Freshman year being filled with masks and caution, to her Senior year where we would be doomed to our two lunch schedules. Throughout this time she’s had time to really discover what this school is all about. She expresses that her Sophomore and Junior year felt “nonchalant” and it overall “felt good to be [at Poly].”
When mentioning the topic of memorable moments she has had at Poly, she had two that really stood out to her. Her favorite event would definitely be “Homecoming, because I was the homecoming queen; I really felt everyone’s support that day.” She also really loves the assemblies we have her at Poly every once in a while. Whether it be introductions to themes, or announcements for the school she’s always loved “being involved in the games.”
With academics playing a critical role at school, she was bound to find a favorite of one of her teachers. “Mr. Schulte has been one of my favorites. He really pushes me to do what I’m capable of.” Nevaeh does not yet have a specific subject that catches her eye, but hopes to find a passion to pursue.
Navaeh then remembers that when her Junior year hit she was met with AP and state testing. “I was really sick but didn’t want to miss my tests, so I still went” she remembered. She knows that telling herself to “stick it through” really helped her get out of her negative mindset she adopted towards the required testing. After the gruesome weeks of AP testing she reminisced on a study habit that really aided her performances on tests and quizzes, saying that “being on the phone with friends and going through specific assignments really helped [her] a lot.” Despite the sleepless nights and days filled with stress, now that she is approaching the end of April, she has more time to think about her future will hold.
Neveah’s Big Win:
Once senior year hits, the thread and thrill of thoughts of leaving High School fill every upperclassman’s mind, and Nevaeh has been working through her sense of self along the way. The last month of High School is a surreal experience that involves the mix of so many emotions and feelings, provoking a sense of urgency and confidence. “Where do I want my life to go?” “Hmm.” “I do want to stay in California, because my heart won’t let me leave, but I also want to find a place to work with kids. I’ve always grown up around kids my whole life, and have a real appreciation for that. Definitely far away so I can feel like I’m carrying myself;” this inner contemplation is helping Navaeh work through how she wants to approach life after high school. Many seniors also have to devise a plan for their lives leading up to eventful day of graduation, and Navaeh has it all figured out. She plans to attend “Sac State University in Sacramento” and wants to major in psychology to become a social worker. Going back to her roots, she has been thinking about staying with her Cheering ways so she can stay active. She is still unsure as to if that is her final goal, but her love for cheer keeps her coming back. Going out of high school and into the real world is a huge change that needs to be faced, and “leaving my family is definitely going to be scary. Although I’ve been wanting to move away, I know I’ll still feel it in my heart,” she said. But she is really excited to “meet new people and be on her own” and most importantly “see what college is like.” Nevaeh does not have any deep regrets about her time here at Poly, but is disappointed she was not able to participate in track her final year. Regardless, Nevaeh comes at it with an optimistic and confident attitude. “No. I’m not afraid. I need to learn of the responsibilities and challenges in the real world”.
As Nevaeh packs her bags and moves on to another chapter in her life, time moves on, and a fresh set of memories and experiences await her in her life. Our seniors here have done their time and had their duties, so now it is time for another set of seniors to fill the gap. As one door closes, another opens. Goodbye Nevaeh, from all of Poly High School. Thank you for being a positive influence on the environment around you, and stopping at nothing to do what’s best for yourself and others. We wish you well on all of your future endeavors. And remember. It’s a great day to be a bear!