2024 was filled with many memories, lessons, and things to be thankful for. Looking back at this past year evokes different memories and emotions for everyone. Some people had their best year yet, while others are more than happy to start a new year. Before we get too deep into 2025, let’s look back at all the events from 2024.
Fun and exciting memories were made in 2024. Briley Mullinax, sophomore, said, “My favorite memory in 2024 was going to state with the competition cheer team. Though our outcome was definitely not the one we wished for, I wouldn’t have wanted to go through this experience with any other team.” Competing at state brought back the love Briley had for cheer when she was a little girl. Mrs. Ratledge, history teacher, said, “I enjoyed getting to be with my family and spend time with them while we were all together.” The times when Ratledge’s children came home to spend time with her and her husband, whether long or short, are the memories she cherishes the most. Ms. Williams, 9th and 10th literature teacher, said, “My favorite memory was when my students surprised me with a cake for my birthday.”
2024 might have been a year of great memories, but it was also a year of struggles for some. Lilliana Tapia, sophomore, said, “One of my biggest struggles from this past year was when I found out I tore my ACL again and I will have to have another surgery.” These events were hard on Liliana, but her family and physical therapist have been there to help her through her struggles. Emma Kate Davis, sophomore, said, “One of my biggest struggles would have to be staying true to myself and not being a people pleaser.” Emma Kate became more confident in doing things that pleased her instead of always doing what pleased others. Evey Flagello, freshman, said, “My biggest struggle in 2024 was managing my time.” Evey participates in many activities outside of school, making it difficult to accomplish everything. She learned how to better manage her time so that she is able to get everything done while still having time to do things she loves.
Growth is another aspect of peoples’ lives in 2024. Ellery McClain, sophomore, said, “2024 was my first year playing soccer since 6th grade. So it wasn’t really a new talent but I had to relearn the whole sport.” Ellery had so much fun jumping back into soccer and even making it to the state playoffs with her team! Abbie Carson, senior, said, “Over 2024 I have become a more outgoing person. I noticed how I would reach out to people rather than waiting to be reached out to.” Getting out of her comfort zone helped Abbie to further herself in her community and her pageant work. Rocio Espinal, sophomore, said, “I’ve definitely gotten my priorities more straight. I started taking my focus off of little things like drama and what other people think.” By turning her focus onto more important things, Rocio has learned more about what benefits her and her life. Ava Lee, sophomore, said, “Throughout 2024, the biggest lesson I learned was that: when you’re struggling with something, no matter how much other people want you to change, the change can only happen when you want it yourself.” Ava learned that people can tell you to change and hope for you to be different. If you focus on your own well being over the opinions of others, no one can force you to change, it’s up to you.
2024 was a year of many things. Some people experienced hardships, some peoples’ years were filled with joy. Whether you had a good, bad or in between year, let’s head into 2025 ready to take action, grow, and create good memories that will last a lifetime.
