“I’ve been playing the violin since I was nine years old,” freshman Lauren Crockett said. “Not many of my family members play musical instruments, but I thought it would be exciting and also serve to enhance my intelligence. I really love the feeling of getting to participate in concerts and being able to play complex pieces of music. Violin has also led me to meet new friends throughout the years, some of which I consider to be my closest companions. Although there are times where playing this instrument isn’t always the easiest, I still love it and I’m glad I took the leap of faith and learned to play such intricate and amazing music.”

For the last three years, senior Luke Allen has been involved in his high school theatre department. He has been in five plays and two musicals throughout his career. “Acting has been a second home to me,” Allen said. “I always feel welcome from the other people because they treat me like a family, and family is important to me.”

“My favorite hobby that I’ve picked up during quarantine is playing the piano,” junior Ana Maria Cornea said. “Growing up, my parents signed me up for piano lessons and I’ve been playing ever since. Although I stopped taking lessons years ago, music has always been a part of my life. When life is slow, there’s nothing better to pass the time than to learn a new piece or to revisit old favorites, which I quickly realized over quarantine.”

Freshman Shukurani Hatangimana was happy after a win against Tates Creek. While the rest of his teammates were getting ready for the next big game, Hatangimana had other plans. “Man, the last game was good, but I think I am going to take some time to rest,” he said.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve enjoyed watching and playing soccer,” junior Carlos Martinez Torres said. “I was 11 when I played for my first team. I still play to this day–my dad played, my uncle, and my cousins. Soccer runs in the family, and my cousins and I carry that tradition. Soccer is so fun to play because it helps me forget about my problems in life and makes me feel better in so many ways. I love playing soccer and I will always.”

“I have been involved in drama for 8 years, and it has been the focal point of my free time,” senior Lucy Nunnelley said. “I got into Governor’s School for the Arts last year. I plan on at least minoring in theatre when I get into college.”