Dear Seniors… With Love, Mr. Leyden

Seniors– the next chapter in your life is about to begin. Yes! Be willing to change your flight plan mid-course. I was pretty sure I knew what I wanted to be when I “grew up” as I headed off to college, but it took me two years to reach the realization that a career in medicine wasn’t in the cards. Fortunately I had pretty wide-ranging interests, and social studies topics were always fascinating to me. I didn’t feel like I was going with a Plan B, but rather a second Plan A when I changed majors and eventually put myself on a path to teaching. Be grateful for your special station of life as young adults. The weight of the world’s responsibilities is not on your shoulders just yet, even though at times it may feel that way, so branch out, take risks, and do some exploring. Harness the unique potential energy you have to utilize your gifts—and yes, you do all have at least one—to improve the lives of others & the world around you, and have fun doing it. And for those among you who may not be so academically inclined, you don’t have to let school get in the way of your education! There’s no shortage of life lessons to be had outside the classroom. Be kind to others, be in the moment (put away your device!) and be a good listener, smile & nurture a genuine curiosity about the world around you, and doors will open up for you as you make your way. I’m excited for your future! Good luck, & take care— LEYDEN

Senior Blog: Malia Roll

My last four years playing lacrosse for Beaverton have been a very memorable experience. Every year brings a new set of faces and a new team. As a senior, I am able to help lead the team and get to know all of the girls better. It is a very rewarding and fun as well. I get to see the team grow and mature throughout the season, all while becoming stronger and closer together. I am sad to be leaving the team, however, I will always cherish the memories that I made with them.

My favorite lacrosse experience is when our lacrosse team went on our team retreat. Every year, we begin the season at Twin Rocks Friends Camp. During the trip, we stay at the beach in cabins with our future teammates. It is my favorite part of the season because it is a good bonding experience and we can get to know each other. It is also enjoyable because we play a lot of games and activities.

My favorite activity was a stick building competition; we had to make a functional lacrosse stick out of miscellaneous items. It was challenging, but it helped us work to together and show our creative side. After that, we walked along the beach, which was a welcome break from the cabins. The trip is always a refreshing escape from school and an exciting thing to look forward to.

Senior Blog: Grant Kirby

My senior Top 5 are…

Baseball: Being a part of the baseball program has been an amazing experience. The BHS baseball program has been very successful over the course of its existence, and I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of great teams, including last year’s team that made it to the state semi final game. My favorite part of baseball is that I got to play alongside one of my best friends, Manny Castineira. We’ve been on the same team since freshman year and we’ve created many great memories on the diamond together.

Get-togethers outside of school: Here and there, mostly in the summer, members of the Class of 2018 have organized events outside of school. These are very fun to be a part of, and they’re a great bonding experience. One of my favorite events has been the Perkins Badminton Invitational, hosted by Natalie Perkins. Last year Matt Eppler and I suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the championship game, but the loss was overrode by the memory of having fun and competed against my fellow classmates. This year I am very much looking forward to the senior camping trip. I know I’ll have an absolute blast with my class in the wilderness.

Football: Playing football was one of the defining parts of my high school experience. Nearly all of my closest friends played football, and I’ll never forget playing alongside them on Friday nights. It was a great experience to be able to play in front of our home crowd. My favorite football memory was beating Sunset in very dramatic fashion on our Homecoming game. Also shoutout to Munch for coming back and playing with us for our senior year.

Dances: Although I don’t love dancing, I did enjoy our school dances. Getting dressed up and taking pictures with everybody is always a great time. And the dances themselves were always a great time. My best dance experience overall was definitely prom. I think that everybody does a great job of coming together on prom and making it a night to remember. My favorite dance moment was Homecoming 2016 when I was able to crowd surf for a glorious 15 seconds.

Lunch Time: Lunch is always a nice escape from reality. It is a time for catching up with friends, gossiping, roasting Matthew’s outfit choices, hanging out at the Pond, doing last minute studying, and turning unsuspecting kids’ backpacks inside out. I love lunch time and will miss it dearly.

Senior Blog: College… for Free?

Here at Beaverton, we have some very talented seniors that are off to take on their next challenge: college. Many of these 2018 graduates have received some amazing scholarships to some very honorable schools. From dedicated athletes to intelligent students, these seniors – among others – are off to do great things.

A perfect example is Sam Regali who got awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship which offered her a full ride to the University of Washington. Her dedication to caddying at the Portland Golf Club throughout high school helped her get to where she is today.

 

Another amazing example is Naomi Ezra who received a full ride to University of San Francisco. She is involved with the Black Student Union at BHS and has done so much to build up the club and make a difference in this school.

Jake Estep is a perfect example of an ambitious athlete. He worked super hard throughout high school and his basketball career to get him to where he is now. Congrats to these soon-to-be grads!

Beaverton is filled with kids who are the epitome of excellence. They are now being rewarded for their hard work, and we know they are going to do great things. Best of luck to these seniors in their new endeavors!

Senior Blog: From, Ms. Lee

Dear soon-to-be graduates,

As I was in school to become a teacher, we were taught many “useful” things such as lesson planning, how to handle parent-teacher conferences, and classroom management. But no one warned me that being a teacher can be heartbreaking at times. No one prepared me for this emotional roller coaster. Some of you who’ve had me as a teacher are probably thinking “Ms. Lee has emotions?”. I know we joke in my class about when was the last time I cried this year or if I ever show my feelings or if I’m a robot. But yes, it’s true.

This emotional roller coaster has its ups and downs (as the thrilling/fun roller coasters usually do). Sometimes the downs creep into my mind when I get to know a student because I know that eventually I’ll say goodbye to them, give them a hug and take a selfie with them at graduation. Sometimes it has to do with a student who is making poor choices and no matter what I or others say, nothing changes. Sometimes it is when a student shares about difficulties at home that no teenager should be put through. These are the things that break my heart.

The ups happen when I see my students walk across that stage at graduation and as they walk back through the tunnel of teachers, give me the biggest, most grateful hug ever, and thank me. Sometimes it happens when a struggling student, who failed their freshman year, turns their life around and ends up in the most challenging AP courses. Sometimes it happens when a student asks me for advice or wants to share a funny story or a joke on the back of a Laffy Taffy. These are the things that heal my heart.

Whether you’ve contributed to the ups or the downs, thank you. Through it all, you have taught me. You have taught me how to notice students who don’t want to be noticed, how to listen to a student who doesn’t want to work because things at home are difficult, how to sometimes take the rabbit trails and talk about The Flash or my dog, and, most importantly, how to deeply care about you and your life in and outside of school. You have shaped me to be a better teacher.

You have made a difference.

As you approach the last few weeks of your high school journey, I encourage you to notice the kind of legacy you are leaving behind. And as you go from BHS, I encourage you to learn from the ups and downs that life throws your way and remember that education goes beyond the classroom.

I am so honored to be a part of your life and your story. So thank you. And congratulations.

-Ms. Lee

Senior Blog: Kenzie Moore

When applying for college, I was asked to do a community service project in order to get accepted into my majors program. With my senior Prom coming up, I thought why not throw a district-wide Buddy Prom. I have worked with the BHS students all four years of high school; this particular group of students I hold very near and dear to my heart.

Prom is something every high school student looks forward toom and all kids should be able to go, so why not give them the night they deserve? I was super excited to make this a Beaverton School District Prom because I have worked in the at many high schools in the district, and getting them all together would be a wonderful night.

Leading up to the dance was a fun and stressful time. I had a lot of help from staff and other students. On the day of Buddy Prom, set-up went smoothly, and I was so anxious for it to start. Every student who showed up was dressed up and they all looked beautiful. The kids were able to dance, go to a photo booth, play in the sensory corner, or watch a movie in a classroom. Buddy Prom was a success, and everyone had a great time. I am so happy I was able to put on this special night for some extraordinary kids.

Senior Blog: So, You Finish Early… Then What?

The last day for the Class of 2018 is June 6. Must be nice. But, odds are you will find a point when you will be bored. Here is our list of five fun things to do in the Beaverton/Portland area.

FARMERS MARKET

The Farmers Market is a great place to see some cool things and enjoy good food. The farmers market is located on Hall and 2nd and goes on from 8:00-1:30 starting in May.

BIKETOWN

Nike offers bikes available to ride around the heart of downtown Portland. Starting at $2.50 per trip. These bikes are a great way to get some fresh air, see some sights, ride to your favorite spot and take some awesome photos. Some of the most popular rides are the Waterfront Park Trail, Eastbank Esplanade and Tilikum Crossing.

ROSE GARDEN

The Portland Rose Garden is a beautiful place located on Kingston avenue. It is a great place to take pictures and enjoy the scenery of Rose City.

FOOD CARTS

The food carts are a new addition to Beaverton. They are located in downtown Beaverton on Rose Biggi Ave. There are over 20 vendors that all have different things to offer. The food carts are an awesome way to hangout with friends, enjoy the sunshine and have some fantastic food.

WILSON POOL

The Wilson Pool is a outdoor pool located in portland open from 12:30-8:20 everyday. The Wilson Pool is a great way to cool off or relax with friends. NW 23rd 23rd avenue in Portland has it all. Walk up and down 23rd and find so many different places to eat or shop, relax and take photos. 23rd is known for the famous and delicious Salt and Straw. A great place to go on a warm day!

By Kylee Rench, senior

Leadership class will always be remembered as my favorite class. The events we put on and the desire to create change within Beaverton are so crucial to creating the welcoming environment. The thing that I will remember the most about Leadership are the relationships I have built this last year.

The senior Leadership positions are filled with diverse and driven people from all walks of life. You would never guess that we were so close, however, the senior class is more of a family than friends. I love working with the seniors in Leadership. We all have strong opinions and we are all trying to be leaders in the school. We are the last of the 90s kids. The ability to have a class where you genuinely care about the people you are working with is so valuable. I enjoy spending time with them outside of school which is something I have not experienced in any other class. I am so lucky to be part of this group and will have lasting friendships with so many of them.

I am thankful for Leadership and all that our class has accomplished this year. ASB is filled with seniors who are experienced in leadership and are excited to be working for BHS. As the school year comes to an end, I hope as a senior class, we will leave a legacy in Leadership where you desire to work hard and be good examples for underclassmen in the school.

Spring Weather Perils and Possibilities

By Kyle Durbin, senior

EXCELLENCE INSPIRES US.

This weather we’ve been having has been really nice but it should’ve started during Spring Break for all the people who decided not to travel anywhere. The good weather had to come once school started again. This has caused many students to lose focus and goof off in class. Some students will even leave and skip school for the sun, especially seniors who seem to have gotten as lazy as they possibly can after Spring Break. The only thing most of them are worrying about is passing classes and getting their Senior Project done. Not only this but now they’re more worried about Prom and graduation.

Everyone is getting very excited about Prom and are always talking about it around this time as seniors are trying to find dates and figure out the plan before and after. Once the sun came out, game over. On the other hand, this beautiful weather HAS been really good for all the spring sports. People are loving it, even if it is a little too hot to run around occasionally. But, mostly the weather has made everyone be in a good mood. The sun makes people happy and Beaverton High School vibrant.