Griffin Rites Senior Issue 2020

GRIFFIN RITES SENIOR EDITION 2020 VOL. 50, NO. 4

SENIOR PRANK

See how the Class of 2020 did their senior prank.

VIRTUAL GRADUATION Check out the steps that the Class of 2020 had to take to graduate.

CONTENTS 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25-27

02 CONTENTS

EDITOR'S NOTE SENIOR PRANK

BY THE NUMBERS MADISON BOGART FUNCTIONAL SKILLS GRADUATES BACKYARD GRADUAITON DANIEL SMITH POPULAR THINGS AT-HOME PROM SENIOR OSCARS BRAYDEN LYNCH SENIOR MAP MEMORIES TWINS FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS JAYCINDA PIRES COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES HONOR GRADUATES ALEXIS REMIGIO STEPS TO GRADUATION SENIOR NOSTALGIA SENIOR QUOTES

letter from the editor I first joined Winnetonka's Journalism Department my sophomore year on yearbook staff and at the end of each year I watched the newspaper staff create the senior issue of Griffin Rites. I always enjoyed getting to read the seniors' quotes, favorite memories, and where they were headed in the next steps of their futures. I couldn't wait for the Class of 2020's senior issue of Griffin Rites so I could read about the classmates that I had grown up with. Then the Coronavirus Pandemic hit and suddenly changed life as we once knew it. As we left the building on Friday, Mar. 13 ready for a week long spring break little did we know that would be the last time we would walk the halls as students. When the remainder of the school year was announced on Apr. 4 to be completed by e-learning I was crushed. Many tears were shed (if you know me personally you know that's no surprise) as I realized I wouldn't get to walk the halls again, have that last circle with my Theatre IV class, have mental meltdowns with the AP Capstone crew, or watch the virtual fireworks pop up on screen with the new yerds in yearbook as we submitted the final page. My mind was as far as possible from the senior issue of Griffin Rites. It wasn't until I was on a Microsoft Teams meeting with journalism teacher Shannon le Grand and the other yearbook Co-Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Cowden that I discovered there would be no senior issue of Griffin Rites for the Class of 2020. At first, it wasn't a big deal to me but after a few days I thought back to the joy of getting to read those Senior Issues I had read in the past. So, I got to thinking why don't I just make it myself I have enough journalism experience? After making some posts on Facebook and Snapchat I had enough people interested in wanting one so I set forth on creating it. It wasn't easy and I have way more hours put into than I thought I would but, it's all been worth it. After everything the Class of 2020 has been through we deserve this 28 page senior issue of Griffin Rites. So here it is, I hope you enjoy it!

Erica Burnett

EDITOR'S NOTE 03

you just got pranked!

See the different things the Class of 2020 used to do their senior prank.

ers k r a wM Windo re

we rkers a es M ow ssag s Wind write me ndow i o t w d e use te th g. cora e d uildin b and e on th

Forks were used to fork Mrs. Green's front lawn.

Cones were used to cone Mrs. Green and Mr. and Mrs. Callaway's homes.

Silly String

Balloons

Silly String was used to decorate the building and to chase each other around for a little fun.

Balloons were used at the Callaway Family's house as decorations.

Strea mers

04 SENIOR PRANK

ed s were us e t o N y k ic St ws, the windo n o t u p to s, and to mailboxe e on the sid 0 2 0 2 e t crea e. t entranc n o fr e h t of

Forks

Cones

Strea mers were the tr used ees a to pu nd ar t in ound beam s.

Sticky Notes

lk Cha

Chalk was used to write messages on the sidewalk and in driveways at the teacher's houses.

BY THE NUMBERS Class of 2020

$5 over

million dollars in scholarship money

10 approximately

325

seniors

112

71

thousand hours of community service

A+ Scholarship recipients

AVID students

36 21

Missouri George Washington Carver Award recipients (Top 10%)

Gold Medallion Honor Diploma recipients

19 AP Capstone Honor Diploma certification recipients 12 KC Scholars 4

Seal of Biliteracy recipients

BY THE NUMBERS 05

senior spotlight

Madison Bog art

Throughout her four years at Winnetonka Bogart was involved in the theatre department.

Some of her favorite memories have been the games played throughout the many different theatre classes, all of the field trips she went on with her art and photography classes, and every time her friends made her laugh until she couldn't breathe. Bogart plans to take a year off of school to explore her options. Her time at Winnetonka impacted her as she has met people she would have never met and experienced things she never thought she would. The biggest thing she will take away from high school is that things that you think will last forever actually go by very quickly. Bogart wants the underclassmen to appreciate walking the halls of Winnetonka while you can because it will end sooner than you think as the Class of 2020 learned that the hard way. "I'd say I've changed quite bit in the last few years," Bogart said. "I went from a shy freshman with pink hair and a beginner in art skills to a somewhat welladjusted, strong, cat-collecting alumni who is pretty confident with herself."

06 MADISON BOGART

functional skills Graduates Take a look at the Functional Skills students who graduated and what they have accomplished during their time at Winnetonka.

Andrew Jones

Caleb Smith

Carl O'Rear

Jones's next plans are to do Project Search and would like to become a janitor at Staley with his dad. He has medaled in various events at the Job Olympics. One of those events is bowling where he has received gold, silver and bronze medals along with a few ribbons. At Winnetonka Jones has helped out at Tonka Thrift, the pantry, ARC, and the Griffin Grounds coffee shop.

For his next steps Smith plans to get training to be an auto mechanic. He has a passion for running and Coach Brown assisted him in finding that. Smith's favorite memory is when he was running with senior Tanner Chadwick and they both said “vrooooom” when they passed other runners while racing. In the Job Olympics he took 1st place in Grocery Bagging and Stocking Shelves.

O'Rear's next steps are to work in a greenhouse with plants. He likes to create things like cosplay outfits and costumes from everyday materials. His favorite memories at Winnetonka are the great friends he has made and great teachers he met on the way. O'Rear enjoys $2 iced coffees, and likes drinking 4-5 per day. In the Special Olympics O'Rear received 2nd place in bowling.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS GRADUATES 07

graduate

After graduation is canceled Rayaan Ekilah's mom and sister plan a celebration for him.

gathering

(Left to Right) Libaan Hussein (North Kansas City), Luke Hines (Park Hill South), Dan Nhi Do (North Kansas City), Aidan Hallman (Liberty North), Rayaan Ekilah, Logan Murray, Jacalyn Cindrich, Shannon Miller, Kelsey Cowden, James Long, Delaniee Divine, Brayden Lynch (Not Pictured).

On May 15, as Rayaan Ekliah stepped into his home after taking cap and gown pictures he was met with a surprise. 10 of his closest friends from Winnetonka, Liberty North, Park Hill South, and North Kansas City High School popped out from behind various furniture shouting “Surprise!”.

“The first thing that went through my mind was ‘oh my gosh I have people from all of my friend groups in the same place this is amazing’,” Rayaan Ekilah said.

Rayaan Ekilah’s mom Tanya Ekilah and sister Rana Ekilah decided they wanted to do something special to celebrate his graduation since the original graduation ceremony that was supposed to take place on May 14 was canceled due to COVID-19.

“I always look back to my senior year moments at Winnetonka back in 2018, and it broke my heart knowing he wouldn’t get to experience most of the cool events and traditions that happen to send off seniors,” Rana Ekilah said.

The idea to hold a backyard graduation came while Rana Ekilah was spontaneously studying. After running the idea through her mom Tanya Ekilah the two made it their mission to make the backyard graduation happen.

“It took us one day for me to find Rayaan’s closest friends and invite them, get decorations and food together, and put on the party,” Rana Ekliah said. “It was kind of hectic and I didn’t eat for that whole day.”

When the day came for the backyard graduation to happen the graduates were treated to speeches from Rana and Tanya Ekilah, walked across the stage (aka their patio), shook Rana and Tanya Ekliah’s hands, were given their diploma (aka a gift card), gave their own speeches, and exited the patio but not before getting a squirt of hand sanitizer in their hands.

“I was so happy to have been surprised by it and to have been able to see all of my friends again,” Rayaan Ekilah said.

08 BACKYARD GRADUATION

senior spotlight

daniel smith

During his four years at Winnetonka Smith was involved in Griffin Rites, 48th Street Players, Shorts, and Competitive Drama. His favorite memory was getting to play Martin Luther King Jr. during the Black History Month Assembly in 2019. Smith plans to further his education at Northwest Missouri State University or may turn some of his story ideas into actual books.

Winnetonka has impacted him by showing him just how different people can be. Being at Winnetonka has showed him the good and bad within not only the school, but the world as well. The biggest thing Smith will take away from high school is that no one is just destined for success and that success doesn't just happen to you, you have to make it happen. "During the last four years I have become less and less ignorant," Smith said. "I remember during freshman year I caused up a stir once or twice throughout the year using the mass email function. I'd never say such stupid, brash, or offensive things now."

DANIEL SMITH 09

5 Things You Forgot Were Popular Check out 5 things that were popular when the Class of 2020 entered high school vs things that are popular when they graduated.

2016

2020

Musical.ly

Musical.ly launched in 2014 as an app where people could lip-sync to famous songs. By 2016 the app had around 90 million users.

Stranger Things

Season one was released on Netflix on Jul. 15 2016.

Within 35 days of its release it was the thirdmost watched season of Netflix original content.

Drake

Drake quickly became the artist of the year with hits such as "Hotline Bling", "Work", and "One Dance". He released his fourth album "Views" which debuted at No. 1.

Killer Clowns

TikTok

After techonology company ByteDance Ltd. acquired Musical.ly in 2017 it merged it with the app TikTok in 2018. As of Jan. 2020 TikTok has over 1 billion downloads.

Outer Banks

Season one was released on Apr. 15, 2020. It eventually hit number one on Netflix's Top 10 list.

Lizzo

Lizzo started off 2020 with songs such as "Truth Hurts", "Juice", and "Good as Hell" becoming hits. She won Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Coronavirus

Around the country reports were of people disguised as evil clowns with sharp weapons such as knives in settings such as forests and schools.

After an outbreak started in China in Dec. 19 2019 the disease found its way to the United States and on Mar. 11 2020 was declared a global pandemic.

Pokemon Go

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The app was released on Jul. 11 2016 and had people across the country walking around collecting Pokemon.

10 POPULAR THINGS

The game launched for Nintendo Switch on Mar. 20 2020 and broke the console game record for most digital units sold in a month with 5 million copies purchased.

a prom promised

After prom is canceled Kara Richardson's father decides to throw her an at-home prom.

For most high school seniors prom is a moment they look forward to. For some it’s their last high school dance with the friends they’ve made over the last four years. For others it may be that last chance to get a dance with their high school sweetheart. However, that was not the case for prom this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Despite the devastating news that prom was going to be canceled Kara Richardson’s dad decided to take matters into his own hands to give his daughter her desired prom night.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know about it [the at-home prom] until right before it happened,” Richardson said.

When Richardson walked into her room her prom dress was laid out on her bed with a note saying to put it on.

“It happened on Apr. 18 which was supposed to be the day of prom,” Richardson said.

After putting her dress on Richardson’s brother walked her outside to the driveway where her family and neighbors were out to watch.

“My dad stood there with a flower and music and we danced to some of our favorite songs,” Richardson said. "It was kind of emotional for both of us."

Soon after pictures and videos were uploaded to multiple social media accounts news outlets started to report on the moment.

“It was so crazy,” Richardson said. “First people started sharing it on Facebook then it made it to some local news stations.”

Eventually the story made its way to some big stations such as Good Morning America.

“I never thought it would get so big,” Richardson said. “I’m so thankful to have a dad like him. He knew how upset I was about everything getting canceled so he wanted to do something so special for me.”

2020

prom candidates

Aj Goss

Dre'Maine Fanning

Marcello Siverin

Rayaan Ekilah

Ross Baker

Kaley Kumpf

Deniese Fahnbulleh

Savannah Trejo

Kelsey Cowden

Evana Loukawila

AT-HOME PROM 11

AND THE OSCAR Moustafa Abdelmahmoud

Zakaria Abdukadir

Ezra Adams

Zina Al-Hisnawi

Class Clown

Worst Driver Male

Best Male

Best Eyebrows Female

Male

Ross Baker Best Hair Male Most Likely to Travel the

Dancer

World Male

Patricia Cruz Best Female

Erika de Guzman Best Female Athlete

MaKiah Embrey

Deniese Fahnbulleh

Best Eyes Female

Most Likely to be Late to Graduation Female

Artist

Most Likely to Have a Reality

Maximus Hook Best Hair Male Most Likely to Travel the World Male

TV Show Female Worst Driver Female Most Changed from Freshman Year Female

Ryli Mizner

Jaelee Pittel

Cutest Couple

Best Actress Best Female Dancer Best Laugh Female Cutest Couple Most School Spirit Female Best Leader Female Best Sense of Humor Female Most Involved Female

12 SENIOR OSCARS

Miyon Roston Best Female Singer

Nia Scaggs

Allison Schoonbeck

Best Hair Female

Most Likely to Succed Female

GOES TO...

Sydney Baughman Best Smile Female Most Photogenic Female Best Dressed Female

Nicholas Bolton Best Male Athlete

Nicole Bolton Class Clown Female

Best Sense of Humor Male

Kelsey Cowden Best Female

Cozmo Crum Best Smile Male

Instrumental Musician

Biggest Flirt Male

Best Male Leader

Most Caring Female

Most Likely to be Late to

Best Male Role Model

Best Female Role Model

Most Caring Male

Most Likely to Succeed Male

Graduation Male Worst Case of Senioritis Male

Little W Male

*no picture*

Sanela Husic

Hailey Johnson

Tyler King

Most Likely to Travel

Biggest Flirt Female

Best Male Artist

the World Female

Ryan Light Most Changed from Freshman Year Male

James Long Best Male Singer Best Actor Most School Spirit Male Most Involved Male

Hayden Shay Best Eyes Male

Marcello Sieverin

Maya Smith

Luis Velazquez

Racine Williams Best Laugh Male

Best Eyebrows Male

Worst Case of

Best Male Instrumental

Most Photogenic Male

Senioritis Female

Musician

Most Likely to Have a

Little W Female

Reality TV Show Male

13 SENIOR OSCARS

senior spotlight

brayden Lync h

Throughout his four years at Winnetonka Lynch was involved in rugby, scholar bowl, and symphonic orchestra. His favorite memory has been all the times he was with his friends and they could be idiots without a care in the world. Lynch plans to further his plans at Truman State University by studying to become a high school English teacher. Winnetonka has impacted him by giving him the chance to learn from so many amazing teachers and let him meet and get to know many friends. The biggest thing Lynch will take away from high school is all the memories with everyone he has met during high school and how much fun they all had together. "I think I've definitely become a whole lot more mature and responsible over the last four years," Lynch said.

14 BRAYDEN LYNCH

Where are the Griffins headed next?

Results baseed on a survey from 70 Winnetonka seniors.

Arizona

Arizona State University

Florida

Hillsborough Community College

Indiana

Purdue University

Iowa

Dordt University

Kansas

Baker University Benedictine College MidAmerica Nazarene University

Missouri Avila University Centriq Training Harris-Stowe State University Kansas City Art Institute Lincoln University Metropolitan Community College Missouri State University Missouri Western State University Northwest Missouri State University Park University State Technical College of Missouri Truman State University University of Central Missouri University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Missouri William Jewell College

Tennessee University of Tennessee SENIOR MAP 15

remember when...

Seniors share some of their favorite memories from high school.

"The senior football team float trip."- Dakota Crispin

"The week the cast of Chicago spent learning choreography over the break with William Bailey."- Aarika Wilson

"Watching the solar eclipse with my friends on the football field."- Kelsey Cowden

"Being a part of the Tonka Drift and showing up to all the sporting events."- JoLeigh Lutgen

"Playing volleyball with Mr. Callaway in the gym."- Moustafa Abdelmahmoud

"When Grilling Griffins finally got to work in a real kitchen."- Maxamose Salazar

"When my small group of friends and I would give each other end of the school year dares that we would have to do."- Kirsten Morriss

"Ditching prom with my friends junior year to go camping at Smithville Lake."- Allison Schoonbeck

"Announcing the winter court for the 2019 winter dance."- James Long

"Freshman year making an inflatable 3D object for my geometry final."- Johnny Nguyen

"Sophomore year orchestra trip."- Shannon Miller

"The night before the cheer state competition with my friends in the hotel."- Cassidy Jones

"Marching half time show for the first time on Tonka's home field."- Chase Nobles

"Iced coffee at Griffin Grounds."- Carl O'Rear

"Playing football for the first time and getting the first win on our home field."- Ryli Mizner

"Being a manager for girls volleyball team."- Aksels Jaunzemis

"Getting to go to the Northland Career Center and get a jumpstart on the career I want to do."- Carson Foster "Going to Varsity Tennis tournaments and being able to get out of school and play tennis all day."- Joshua Balino "All of the small moments that most people will probably forget like quick talks during passing, the moments before assemblies, and talking to teachers about life." - Jaelee Pittel 16 MEMORIES

"Sitting with my friends every morning at our favorite spot in the C Hallway. Many inside jokes and memories were made there."- Katie Chumley "Cross country during freshman year when I lost my shoe during a race."- Nick Bolton "Dance parties on Mrs. Green's table with Nicole." - Deniese Fahnbulleh

"Hanging out in Ms.Ryczek's class." - Candice Strahl

forever together Ethan Foster will be attending University of Missouri (MU) and will be majoring in Marketing. Carson Foster will be attending The State Techincal College of Missouri and will be majoring in Diesel Mechanics.

"Attending different schools is definitely going to be different since we've been a big part of each other's lives for the past 18 years," Ethan Foster said.

See where the different twins of the Class of 2020 are headed next.

Carson Foster

Ethan Foster

Both Grace and Bailee Cohalla will be attending Metropolitan Community College to work towards becoming Pediatric Nurses. "Bailee has been my rock for the past four years and has gotten me through the crazy ride of high school so I'm excitied to be going somehwere with her next to me," Grace Cohalla said.

Grace Cohalla

Bailee Cohalla

Both Nick and Nicole Bolton will be attending Northwest Missouri State University with Nick majoring in English Education and Nicole majoring in Criminology. "It means a lot to me to be able to continue to reach my dreams with my twin by my side," Nicole Bolton said.

Nick Bolton

Nicole Bolton

Both Brandon and Brayan Rocha have decided that they want to go to college. Brandon is looking to possibly going to Metropolitan Community College while Brayan has not decided on a college yet. Both are currently undecided when it comes to majors. "We might go to the same college or we might not but I know either way it's going to be fine because I will still see him at home," Brandon Rocha said.

Brayan Rocha

Brandon Rocha

Kaleb Phillips will be attending Lincoln University for band.

Kameron Phillips will be attending University of Tennessee to play basketball. "It will be hard not going to the same school because my twin brother and I are so close but we'll get use to it," Kameron Phillips said.

Kaleb Phillips

Kameron Phillips

No response was given but, Winnetonka wishes them the best in their next steps.

Colby Anderson

Justin Anderson TWINS 17

traveling Winnetonka becomes home for two foreign exchange students.

Aksels Jaunzemis Jaunzemis is originally from Latvia and while at Winnetonka he was involved in Leadership class, Student Council, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and was also a manager for the girl's volleyball team. Some of his favorite experiences while here was his trip to Washington, DC, the Chiefs parade, seeing Post Malone in concert, and getting to see both the musicals and Shorts.

18 FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

to

tonka

Chiara Joachim Joachim is originally from Germany and while at Winnetonka was involved in Leadership class, dance team, swim, soccer, and Shorts.

Some of her favorite experiences while here include homecoming with all of the beautiful dresses, her first soccer match at the Jamboree, being in competitions with the swim team, and getting to see all the dancing and cheering at the football games from the sidelines with the dance team.

senior spotlight

Jaycinda Pire s

During her four years at Winnetonka Pires was involved in softball, soccer, Renaissance Mentors, and was a manager for the boys basketball team. Her two favorite memories are during softball when she met her friends Paige and Yancy and being in Mrs. Green's class because of Nicole's jokes. Pires plans to move back to Florida to attend Hillsborough Community College and will eventually join the military. Winnetonka has impacted her by helping find a way to school when she had no way and having staff members who were always there if she needed someone to talk to. The biggest thing Pires will take away from high school is that no matter how much you go through, there is always someone right around the corner to help uplift you and help you better yourself. "I have grown in such a positive way the last four years," Pires said. "I always thought I couldn't change my mindset and I ended up doing everything I thought I couldn't."

JAYCINDA PIRES 19

work hard play hard

*no picture*

Occelin will be attending Park University in Parkville, Missouri for volleyball and plans to major in Biomedical Sciences.

Check out the seniors who are going to be playing sports in college.

Triplett will be attending Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri for football.

Destiny Occelin

Anthony Triplett

Aj Goss

Goss will be attending Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri for football and plans to major in Sports Journalism.

Shay will be attending Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri for football.

Rizer will be attending Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas for football.

Dylan Rizer

Kumpf will be attending Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri for softball and plans to major in Health Science.

Hayden Shay

Kaley Kumpf

Crum will be attending Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa for football and plans to major in Exercise Science.

Cozmo Crum

de Guzman will be attending Park University in Parkville, Missouri for volleyball and plans to major in Nursing.

Erika de Guzman 20 COLLEGE BOND ATHLETES

Freeman will be attending Baker University in Overland Park, Kansas for football and plans to major in Education

Tyler Freeman

Fanning will be attending MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas for football and plans to major in Kinesiology.

Dre'Maine Fanning

Above & Beyond Take a look at the students who gradued with honors.

*no picture*

Ramla Ahmed

Joshua Balino

cCora Barnhart

Erica Burnett

Madison Coonce

Kelsey Cowden

Malath Daffaallah

Michael Du

Rayaan Ekilah

Deniese Fahnbulleh

Aisha Farah

Elijah Gilmore

Alexandria Kendrick

Rusty Lasiter

James Long

Shannon Miller

Tyler Nguyen

Marcello Sieverin

Maya Smith

KEY:

AP Capstone Diploma

Ruweyda Hassan Isaac Hernandez

Gold Medallion Diploma

Zahra Jeilani

Logan Murray

AP Capstone Certificate

HONOR GRADUATES 21

senior spotlight

alexis Remigi o

During her time at Winnetonka Remigio was involved in Leadership Class, Student Council, Federal Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Prom Committee, was on the cheer team, and was one of the Cheer Captains during her senior year. Her favorite memory was when she first moved to the Winnetonka area and the staff and students were so welcoming. Remigio plans to attend Avila University with a major in Elementary Education and will also be doing cheer there as well. Winnetonka has impacted her by teaching her that it's okay to meet new people and to always be welcoming to others. The thing that she will take away the most from high school is that sometimes people aren't what you think, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't be friends with them. "I used to be a very shy person that was scared to meet new people and now I feel like I am more open to others and I'm just a more social person in general now," Remigio said.

22 ALEXIS REMIGIO

how did we end up here?

See the steps of how the Class of 2020 tackled graduation.

1.

2.

Mar. 13

Mar. 16

Students leave school for spring break that was supposed to last from Mar. 13 - Mar. 22 but ended up lasting for the rest of the school year.

3.

5.

3 4.

Mar. 21

27

As the Coronavirus cases continue to rise in the U.S. Clemons announces school will remain closed until Apr. 27.

Apr. 9 canceled

Apr. 29

6.

Seniors drive up to Winnetonka to receive their cap and gowns in a drive-through like process.

7.

May 14

8.

On what was suppose to be their original graduation day seniors arrive at Winnetonka to take cap and gown photos throughout different locations in the building.

9.

As the Coronavirus cases start to worsen in the U.S. North Kansas City School District Superintendent Daniel Clemons announces school will remain closed until Apr. 3.

After Missouri Governor Mike Parson issues a statewide order for K-12 schools to close Clemons announces that school will remain closed throughout the rest of the school year.

May 7 Graduation speakers, presenters, and principal Dr. Eric Johnson meet at Winnetonka to record speeches.

may 27 Starting at 7 pm through a YouTube broadcast Winnetonka's Class of 2020 graduates via a virtual graduation.

Jul. 28 Almost 2 months after their virtual graduation the graduates get a physical graduation at Winnetonka in the Main Auditorium where they finally get to walk across the stage and get their diplomas.

STEPS TO GRADUATION 23

Senior Nostalgia

Take a look at the things the Class of 2020 was into when they were growing up.

24 SENIOR NOSTALGIA

senior quotes

A

"She belong to the street," - Moustafa Abdelmahmoud "Don't ever let your girl have a guy bestfriend. Enough said," - Max Ackermann "Opinions are like mixtapes: I don’t want to hear yours," - Ramla Ahmed "Surprisingly I graduated, adios pendejos," - Zina Al-Hisnawi

B

" 'To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.' - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)," - Ross Baker "Enjoy the ride while also striving towards your goals," - Josh Balino "Life is only what you make of it," - Tommy Barker "Went from a failing freshman to a graduate due to COVID-19," - Vivian Barrios "F," - Michael Beckwith "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken," - Madison Bogart "Just keep being you because you are and will be great," - Nick Bolton "Where are all the hot people? I was told that there would be all these attractive singles. And as far as I can tell, I'm the best looking person here." - Nicole Bolton "I've got places to be, people to see, and things to do," - Erica Burnett "I hope natural selection takes care of the people who block the hallways," - Mason Byrd

C

"They ranked me 311 and I still graduated before you all," - Destiny Calderon "Best and worst 4 years of my life.. I hate it here," - Kylley Carullo "Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting," - Tanner Chadwick

"'Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I’m possible' - Audrey Hepburn'," - Katie Chumley "Never settle. Always go above and beyond letting nothing stop you from being the best," - Jacalyn Cindrich "Seniors aren't actually scary, so don't be afraid of us," - Zoe Clark "'You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will - John 13:7'," - Bailee Cohalla "I wonder what Junie B Jones is up to these days. I need an update on the tea," - Grace Cohalla "When life gives you lemons make orange juice and leave people wondering how you did it," - Madison Coonce "Don’t be discouraged, never give up, focus on the good aspects of your life, and chase your dreams," - Kelsey Cowden "Don’t let the worst things of your past haunt you, and be the reason you can’t succeed in life," - Adrian Craigmiles "Always stay humble and kind," - Dakota Crispin "Live life to the fullest, have fun and bend the rules," - Cozmo Crum

D

"I can't wait to be rich," - Kaylene Dollar "Always see the brighter side of everything you go through, good or bad. It's always worth it in the end," - Emma Dunkin "Just Du It," - Michael Du "4 years of high school and I'm still an idiot," - Garrett Dysart

E

"I only got a class rank of 1 so I could have the high ground," - Rayaan Ekilah "You only go through High school once, make sure you make the best out of it. Don’t let little things that won’t matter in 5 years effect you!!

Have fun," - MaKiah Embrey

SENIOR QUOTES 25

senior quotes F

"Good vibez, grind time," - Deniese Fahnbulleh "I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not," - Dre'Maine Fanning "HUSH," - Lauchlan Ferris "Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do but in doing those things with the best possible attitude, you will learn and grow," - Carson Foster "IDK you can just put a quote in for me," - Tyler Freeman

G

"It's okay because everything happens for a reason," - Aletha Good "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable," - Aj Goss

H

"'Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory' - Dr. Suess," - Shelby Hakes "I do not know how to change a tire or know much about black history, but I do know that mitochondria is the power house of the cell," - De$ean Harrison "Can’t believe I graduated and gave my “dream speech”.... through a computer screen. Thanks Trump," - Ruweyda Hassan "Slime love all the time," - Maximus Hook "You live and you learn," - Makayla Hughes

J

"There is much more common amongst us than we realize," - Aksels Jaunzemis "Today is a milestone. It tells you how far you've come.

Keep learning, trying, accomplishing, and keep venturing on through your journey," - Chiara Joachim SENIOR QUOTES 26

"Anything is possible when you have the right people to support you," - Cassidy Jones

K

"Frogs are better than people," - Alex Kendrick "I'm that African Prince that keeps emailing you," - Even Kidane "Work hits you hard but you gotta hit it harder," - Qunicy Knighten "'You can’t just give up. Is that what a dinosaur would do?' -Joey Tribbiani (FRIENDS)," - Kaley Kumpf

L

"I’m here for a good time, not a long time," - JoLeigh Lutgen "Live your life how you want to and don't let others dictate what you do," - Rusty Lasiter "'Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. Master Oogway'," - James Long

M

"Every dog has its day," - Ater Majur "Just send it," - Tayvon Matheson '"If 2020 was a cereal it would be Oops! All Berries - Jacob Christensen'," - Shannon Miller "Have fun and don’t be afraid to get out there and try new things. Just explore and make the best out of your time," - Ryli Mizner "It could be worse," - Madison Monhollen "'I just wanted to say your all winners, and that I could not be happier that this school year is ending. Principle Duvall (Mean Girls)'," - Kirsten Morriss "Stay hungry and stay motivated. Make the necessary changes in your community and never settle for anything.

When you settle for something, you become satisfied and that’s when you consume yourself," - Logan Murray

senior quotes N

"I can't cry about having a lot on my plate, if my goal was to eat," - Chloe Nelson "Chocolate milk is the best," - Aaron Nero "Be a light in the darkness, even when it seems like your light is dimming, keep pushing," - Anna Neverve "Take chances, don't regret," - Johnny Nguyen "Cheaters never win, but I just graduated," - Tyler Nguyen "Live your dreams don’t let people tell you other wise," - Chase Nobles

O

"Inspiration comes from people. Choose your circle wisely," - Destiny Occelin "Be yourself, there’s one else like you," - Carl O'Rear "'Don't always think you need to do things on your own.

There's nothing wrong with letting the people who love you help you. - Uncle Iroh'," - Donovan Ortiz

P

"I want it, I got It," - Jaycinda Pires "#blackliveswillalwaysmatter," - Jaelee Pittel

R

"Enjoy it while it lasts," - Kyra Rees "Stay determined and you can accomplish anything," - Alexis Remigio "Enjoy the little things because time flies by fast," - Layla Resch "Sometimes it’s a good day to die, and sometimes it’s a good day to have breakfast," - Alexa Robbins "Dont let other people's opinions stop you from discovering yourself. Ignore them and do what you love.

They won't be in your life forever," - Miyon Roston

S

"There is no better feeling than graduating when you had told yourself for years you wouldn't," - Maxamose Salazar "'I am > I was” -21 Savage'," - Nia Scaggs "'We are constantly invited to be what we are." -Henry David Thoreau'," - Allison Schoonbeck "I was here for a good time, not a long time," - Maya Smith

T

"I made it," - Blayke Taylor "Let’s go to Taco Bell," - Savannah Trejo "Just wait," - Anthony Triplett

V

"Don't apologize for being you, live life to the fullest and even when it gets hard always love yourself and those who support you," - Luis Velaquez "Positive but also crazy," - Jordan Viles

W

"Get out while you can," - Michael Whiles "This is for Rachel," - Aarika Wilson

SENIOR QUOTES 27

Follow Tonka News: Website: tonkanews.com Instagram: @Tonka_News Twitter: @Tonka_News Facebook: Facebook.com/tonkanews