Summer

More Than Just

The Sun

(1) Jaidyn Kirkpatrick (12) spent her 4th of July weekend at Table Rock Lake this summer. Kirkpatrick went with friends Jacklynne Raidel (12), Clara Daehn (12), and Samantha Harnden (12). When asked how days were spent, Kirkpatrick exclaims, “Boating, swimming, relaxing on the lily pad, and even riding jet skis at times.” The trip was made even more memorable by watching the Big Cedar fireworks show together. Kirkpatrick says it was enjoyable spending time at the lake and making memories with friends during a summer full of sunshine and fun.

(2) Jocelyn Ybarra (12) spent a week in Tulsa, Oklahoma, visiting a friend who had just returned from England. The two spent time shopping, visiting local food spots, exploring bakeries and cafés around the city.

Ybarra says, “One of my favorite stops was Funktified, a boutique with a fun, retro vibe.” This is where Ybarra took a photo in the in-store photo booth. “It was a great week filled with quality time, good food, and plenty of memories.”

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Back to School

From left to right: Addison Lee (11), Maddie Carlstrom (11), Kaitlyn Burri (11), Harper Glaser (11), Elle Givens (11) Carlstrom says, “I was excited to come back for junior year, and I have a lot of hopes and dreams.”

Goals and Thoughts

Ben Stratton (10) “I just wanted it to be a good day.”

(3) Beau Gregg (9) went to Africa this past summer. When asked, Gregg said, “My favorite part was meeting all of the different people there, and getting to explore.” Gregg was there for two weeks and traveled extensively throughout Kenya, taking part in multiple safaris. Seeing a variety of wildlife during her trip, including lions, zebras, and wildebeest. Gregg says, “My least favorite part was the 16-hour flight, but the amazing views made it worth it.” It was the trip of a lifetime.

From left to right: Reagan Taylor (10), Ross Hertel (12), Tatum Bauer (12), Halle Templeton (12) Taylor says, “I wanna make this year the best year.”

Rocco Macchi (12) “I thought about how I could make someones day, whether it be a smile, greeting them or giving them a handshake.”

Student Life Summer/Back To School spread by Michaela Krueger and Jacob Oney

(4) Gavin Dillman (12) spent eight unforgettable days this summer in the Galápagos Islands and Colombia with family.

When asked, Dillman said, “My favorite part was scuba diving in the ocean, where I saw white sharks, sea turtles, and tons of colorful fish in the clear blue water.” Taking a boat to a remote island Dillman got to see the famous blue-footed booby bird.

Outside the water, Dillman hiked the Great Mountains in Bogotá—his favorite experience. “It felt like we were almost in the clouds” Dillman said. From the top, their group could see the entire city and visited a historic church. He also toured the Charles Darwin Museum, went to volcanic sites, tried foods from around the world on a food tour, and even made a ring on a local tour. Dillman called the trip adventurous, diverse, and one he’ll never forget.

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(5) Carter Roberts (11) spent two weeks this past summer exploring Dubai and Egypt with family. When asked, Roberts said, “My favorite part was seeing the camels, pyramids, and all the skyscrapers in Dubai.” Roberts stayed busy with activities like ATV riding and camel riding in the desert. While the 16-hour flight wasn’t a highlight, the experience of visiting another country for the first time made it all worth it. One of his favorite memories was getting a turban wrapped by a local in the desert, a moment captured in a photo taken during the trip. From fresh local food to historic sights, Roberts says, “The trip was unforgettable, even if I’m not sure I would make the long flight again.”

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From left to right: William Ross (11), Grayson Biggers (11), Henry Mcgee (10), Charlie Newell (11), Brady Yates (11) Ross said, “I want to get all A’s and just continue to have fun with all my buddies.”

Eli Custer (11) “I miss being at the lake and surfing.”

From left to right: Lawson Roy (12), Jaxon Nibert (12) Roy said, “I was ready to reinvent the education system and solve world peace, until I realized I couldn’t even find my homeroom.”

(6) Stuart Duncan (9) spent a week in Sicily, Italy, this past summer with family. Staying in an Airbnb in Ortigia, Duncan got to travel to a historic island known for its walkable streets and ancient charm. When asked, Duncan said, “My favorite part was exploring the cities there. It was fun walking around and seeing all the cool details, ruins, and how everything was built.”

Duncan spent days hiking through ancient ruins, visiting small coastal towns, and even relaxing on a rocky beach with clear blue water. Duncan discovered that Sicilians tend to eat smaller meals throughout the day, which was a big change. Dunan’s favorite foods on the trip included spaghetti, calzones, and, of course, pizza. Stuart said, “The trip was exciting, full of amazing sights, and definitely a place I would recommend visiting.” The combination of history, food, and beautiful views made it an unforgettable experience.

Scout Rollins (11) “Go Falcons!” His goal this year is to win the 2025 Football District Campionship.

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