Seniors Corner: Reflecting on senior year
By Ashley Shah
Kaylie Shadburn
Associated Student Body President
“Serving as ASB president has been a little difficult because we’re really restricted with what we can plan for the school because we can’t have most events that we would usually have,” Kaylie Shadburn said.
Other than being the ASB president, at SRHS, Shadburn is the president of the Butterfly Effect club and a part of the No Place for Hate organization.
Shadburn explained what she misses most from in-person school.
“I miss the community aspect of our school. I think we have a really good community at Scripps, and I think it’s hard to see and feel that when everything is virtual,” she said.
She also talked about what has been beneficial about online learning.
“Online learning has given me a lot of time to become my best self mentally and physically. I think it has also helped me become a better student because sometimes you end up having to teach yourself now,” Shadburn said.
Outside of school, she works at Athleta, tutors and takes care of her brother.
Shadburn plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and major in business administration while minoring in communications.
“I’ve learned a lot through this year. I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. Once COVID is over, I’m going to make sure to take every opportunity and enjoy every moment,” Shadburn said.
Ethan Nicholas
Four-year football and
baseball player
“I miss the social interaction with everyone. It is sad that we aren’t able to have our ‘lasts’ of things such as prom and homecoming,” Ethan Nicholas said.
He shared his opinions on the benefits and issues he has faced with virtual learning.
“I’m a more visual and hands on learner, so I find that learning online does not really help me learn in the best way. It’s also hard because we can’t really just ask teachers things anymore,” Nicholas said. “I like having more free time as a result of virtual learning though. I feel like there is more time for homework and sports now. I feel like the teachers have really stuck with us and helped us, and it’s appreciated.”
On March 12, the SRHS football team had its first game of the year.
“I’m looking forward to spending my last season with all my friends that I’ve played with for years. I just want to thank my coaches for putting a lot of effort into us getting one last season,” Nicholas said.
Alongside football and baseball at SRHS, Nicholas is also a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and the Butterfly Effect club.
Outside of school, he volunteers for the organization Lion’s Heart.
Nicholas hopes to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to study biology and he plans to continue football as well.
“I’m excited to start something new in college!” he said.
Jessica Thomas
Four-year volleyball player
“I was really looking forward to my senior night for volleyball. I was able to see both my sisters at their senior night, so I wanted that same experience as well,” Jessica Thomas said.
She described her feelings on missing senior year in-person.
“I miss seeing all the teachers and the students. I never realized how nice it was to get out and actually walk on campus. I still really hope we have prom because I’ve never been able to go to a prom,” she said.
“I think online learning has been easier because it is less stressful. We only have to manage three classes at once whereas it used to be six. I also think teachers have been more considerate, so that has helped alleviate some of the stress of school,” Thomas said.
Outside of SRHS, she works at Chili’s and plays for Coast Volleyball Club.
Thomas is committed to Cal State University San Marcos to play Division II volleyball and plans to study kinesiology.
“In November of 2020, I was able to go with my family to Petco Park for National Signing Day to sign my letter of intent. Getting to do that was something I’ve looked forward to since middle school, and it was the most memorable part of my senior year,” she said.