Saying Goodbye and Staying Connected

Story by Thea DeMarco ’26
Photo by Kenta Lee ’25
 

As school is coming to an end, the seniors of 2025 are making their final decisions on where to go off to college, continuing to embrace their last moments of high school. It is exciting to see all of the seniors so eager to grow and learn in a new environment away from SHC, but they know that our community will remain a support system for all graduates. To gain some insight from the student body, I interviewed three seniors to share a few words on how they feel about going off to college and what they will miss about the SHC community. 

Hugo Puiggali ’25: University of Miami

Q: How are you preparing for your first semester out of high school?

A: I am starting to plan how I am going to live on my own and become independent from my family at home. 

Q: How do you feel about leaving SHC?

A: I am excited for a big change in my life and I am excited to go.

Q: What are you going to miss about SHC and the community here?

A: I am going to miss the friends that I made. Although I will see them every once in a while I won't be able to see them every day. 

Q: What is a special memory that you are going to look back on?

A: One memory I have from SHC is being able to watch the World Cup in school. Seeing everyone gather at lunch to watch the games, was something I will remember for the rest of my life. 

Sage Mendiola-Flores ’25: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Q: How are you preparing for your first semester out of high school?

A: At the moment I am trying to embrace as much of senior year as I can so I can enjoy my summer and what’s to come.

Q: What are you going to miss most about SHC and the community here?

A: I am going to miss my dance team and all of the experiences I have been granted here at SHC. I think I have learned a lot from all of my teachers and classmates. 

Q: What is a memory from SHC that is unique and special to you?

A: The most recent memory I have was the Spring Dance Showcase. I thought of this specifically because it marks an end period for me. It also signifies endings with the people who were really important in my life, and who helped me grow as a person and dancer as well. 

Quinn Middleton ’25: San Diego State University

Q: How are you preparing for your first semester out of high school?

A: I am going to be working this summer as well as getting ready to move down to San Diego.

Q: How do you feel about leaving SHC and what are you going to miss most?

A: I am sad about leaving my friends but extremely excited to start something new. I am going to miss my friends most and all of the people I have met here.

Q: What is an important memory from SHC that you will look back on?

A: One of my favorite memories was playing and winning the Bruce-Mahoney baseball game last year. Being able to play center field in the stadium I grew up going to with all my friends was an amazing experience. 

When I concluded my interviews, I was reminded that SHC isn’t just a school we attend, it’s a place that shapes us. Whether it’s cheering on the teams in the World Cup, performing in the Dance Showcase, or playing in the famous Bruce-Mahoney rivalry game, it is obvious that this school gives us a chance to grow in our identity, friendships and community. Each senior I spoke to shared a personal experience, however, they still managed to connect SHC provides more than education, it provides a family. As the Class of 2025 moves on to new adventures, they will remain part of this family, allowing their memories to serve as a reminder that despite leaving the school, the SHC community will continue to support them.