Ready to Fly

ready to fly

While the Covid pandemic taught the Class of 2021 that things can change in an instant, they also learned the importance of supporting each other and working together.

Erica

Saylor

Kamryn

Cole

BY JULIE SIMMONS

Senioritis is in the air! You can see it on social media with the gorgeous senior pictures, feel the energy when you run into graduating friends in town, and perceive it on the hearts of countless moms and dads who have worked hard for this milestone. Fernandina Beach High School (FBHS) senior Kamryn Williams sums it up well. “Growing up on an island, where everyone knows everyone, it’s hard to imagine myself outside of city limits,” says Kamryn. “However, I can’t wait to explore the world and make connections with new faces!” Kamryn plans to study nursing at the University of Central Florida, with plans to become a nurse midwife or OBGYN. While eager for what’s ahead, the Class of 2021 can’t help but fondly reflect on the last four years at FBHS. “My favorite memory is after every home football game, a group of us would head straight to Zaxby’s to just hang out and talk,” shares Erica Teare, who will attend Auburn University to study engineering.

Similarly, Saylor Hogue, who will attend Georgia Southern University to pursue a major in business, also thinks back on Friday Night Lights and homecoming week in particular. “My junior year, our class won homecoming week and beat the seniors. Th at was a goal of mine since freshman year—and we made it happen!”

For this year’s homecoming, Kamryn will never forget Logan Parker being crowned King. “Seeing the joy and happiness on his face after hearing his name called was definitely the highlight of my high school career.”

It’s just this love and support for one another that makes this class so special, and it’s not just between classmates; this group is quick to recognize their teachers. “Because each of my teachers invested plenty of time and energy in helping me, I will miss them the most. I have had 18 different teachers over the years, and each one truly cared about my academic and personal success,” says Cole Terry, who is headed to the University of Florida’s Innovation Academy to major in business management. She hopes one day to find a career in law.

While the entire staff is phenomenal, there’s a small roster of teachers these students want to remember: Erica nominated Mr. Weiser for his energy and welcoming spirit; Saylor recognized Mr. Ball for being a team player and educating about the real world, in addition to the curriculum; and Kamryn chose, Mr. Sapp, hands-down, for encouraging students to reach for the stars and stay true to themselves.

This bunch of kids have already been reaching for the stars and realizing some amazing dreams. For instance, Cole Terry is a favorite local musician making quite a name for himself performing at local venues. Erica is making her mark as president of Dance Marathon, raising funds for local children’s hospitals. Kamryn has expressed her creativity through videography, with a YouTube channel numbering 3,000 subscribers and 200,000 views! And Saylor is a firecracker, full of energy and ambition. She has been nannying, waitressing, and now cart-girling since the moment someone would hire her!

Having lived through COVID-19, the Class of 2021 understands that life can change in an instant, and their attitudes reflect that: it’s up to you how to respond, everyone must work together in hard times, and as Cole put it, nothing is impossible with God.

Between their amazing school, supportive families, and the past year of innovations, the Class of 2021 is ready to embark on their next adventure. From everyone at the Amelia Islander Magazine and all across the island, we wish you all the best!