Memorial High School Anvil - May 2020 - Senior Issue

the

ANVIL Volume 58, issue 3

May 2020

Flying On

Mustangs set out on their next adventure

Making History Seniors make predictions, honor classmates in midst of COVID pandemic

Class of 2020

Alabama Auburn University Madeline Klam

University of Alabama Claire Christmann Kate Weinstein Adam Whitty

University of Montevallo Mikayla Lillibridge

Arizona University of Arizona Madeline Feinberg Alexa Herrera

Arkansas University of Arkansas Mitchell Cooksey Taylor Dixon Eden Isbell Emma Kelley Katelyn Krivan

Matthew Mouton Niki Papakyriacou Sage Rao

California California Polyechnic State University Gavin Schmidtke

California State University Adanna Nneji

Los Angeles College of Music Reagan Sepulveda

Santa Clara University Madeleine Luther

University of Southern California Geenie Chiravanich Evan Pruett

Colorado Colorado College Camille Asmus

Colorado School of Mines Jacob Rickel

University of Colorado Boulder Isabelle Hardie Catherine Graff Frances Hamilton Liebe Nasser

Florida Stetson University Rocco Silvestri

University of Florida Claire Bryant Olivia Kennington

University of Miami Fausti Llaneza Curi

Georgia Emory University Jada Oriahi

Savannah College for Art and Design Fahd Dilwar

University of Georgia Lauren Schnake Susanna Teske Noelle Svoboda

FLYING ON Mustangs reveal their new stomping grounds for the next 4 years

Sarah Chirapurath, Co-Editor in Chief, Megan Benz, Design Editor, Rachel Royster, Asst. Editor in Chief

Mississippi Maryland University of Maryland College Park Emily Little

Massachusetts Ainsley Gibbs Jihee Sonn

Purdue University Andrew Moxley Drew Vandervoort

Iowa Grinnell University Joshua Witte

Illinois DePaul University Elise Bounds

University of Chicago Ruka Adachi Lauren Yang

Wheaton College Elise Bounds

Indiana Indiana University Jackson Drumheller

Berklee College of Music Isabella Noyola

Boston College Anuj Samal

Boston University Kuan Yu Chen

Massachussetts Institute of Technology

Louisiana

Luke Chapman

Louisiana State University

Sophia Gerkin

Lauren Biar Talyn Burgess-Jimenez Stephanie Fairbairn Ava Galluzzi Adriana Hay Sally Lichtman Connor Narsete Emma Sanchez Sereen Shakhashiro Monica Tan Amelia Todd Grace Valerius Reece Weir

Tulane University Collin Curry Grant Farrow Helena Stewart

Tufts University Wellesley College Ana Daza Walter Paige Gee

Williams College Blakely Buckingham

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Isabelle Lachaux

Michigan University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Julianne Yoon

Mississippi State University Jack Flower

University of Mississippi Hannah Baker Gabriella Garofalo Sarah Johnson Ashleigh Stoehr Lissy Sturges Elinor Zarr

Missouri Washington University Ariela Romero Annabel Shen

New Jersey Princeton University Michael Bissinger

New York Columbia University Noah Czelusta

New York University Christopher Hickey Mina Azad Muna Khalidi Clare Logan Elizabeth Tietz Annette Yang

Parsons School of Design Mark Burleson Jacqueline Morris

Pratt Institute Danielle Rubbo

Syracuse University Ava Lahijani

West Point Robert Espey

North Carolina Davidson College Ruby Zhou

Duke University Rishab Jagetia Luke Lorentzatos Andrew Qin

Elon University Abigail Langenkamp

University of North Carolina at Charlotte Presly-Kay Raines

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Jack Riedel

Wake Forest University Spencer Frederickson Chase Curry

Warren Wilson College Isabel Matthews-Elston

Ohio Ohio State University Maxwell Rodney

University of Cincinnati Andrew Burke

Oklahoma Oklahoma State University George Lovett

University of Oklahoma Evan Burke Justin Carmichael Kendra Evans Maia Kirk Gabrielle Monson

Pennsylvania Carnegie Mellon University Jennifer Kim

Pennsylvania State University Zitong Xu

Unniversity of Pennsylvania Isaac Herbst Isabel An Grace Lee

Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design Sharon Han

South Carolina Clemson University Olivia Cone Henry Oliver

Tennessee Belmont University Taylor O’Hara

Rhodes College Matthew Sanders

University of Tennessee Knoxville Brynn Bertovic

Texas Austin College Camille Asmus

Austin Community College Jack Ferruzo Dylan Gartner Hayden Smith Thomas Soriero Lily Williams

Baylor University Skylar Ballard Olivia Brown Emma Buesinger Sofia Castameda Lauren Choi Olivia Jiang Luke Lackey Mary Martin Peyton Mitchell Benjamin Mueller

Nayiri Ohanian Rachel Royster Abigail Salmon Ria Shani Lillian Short Ashley Smelley Adam Tefft Alyssa Thomas

Blinn College Helena Hayes

Dallas Baptist University Grayson Buehler Sarah Jane Egger

Houston Baptist University Maria Herrera

Houston Community College Amna Al-Zubaidi Ryu Celeste My-Lien Dang Valeria Feregrino Murtadha Ghanim Omar Ortuno Michael Rocha Matthew Young

Lone Star College Ghaith Alyafi

Pima Medical Institute Laurencia Soanes

Rice University Parker Beck Benjamin Dukes Ki Rim Kim Nicholas Mendoza

Sam Houston State University Sierra Kelley

Southern Methodist University Andrew Alpe Akul Bavare Kaitlyn Blan Benjamin Liu Nancy Rodriguez Rohan Shani Maisa Syed Jackson Voyles

Southwestern University Laura Carrasco Torres Keanan Ngo Alexa Strong

St. Edwards University Omar Kaniche

Stephen F. Austin University Kayla Lewis

Texas A&M University, College Station Hamza Mazin Al Asadi Nikki Altmann Heather An Hammas Ashraf Jeffrey Carr Mary Kristen Cokinos Thomas Cooper Elizabeth Dunn Lindsey Duong Zoe Eagleston Colson Edmonds Corgan Edmonds Leah Engeldorf Jacob Evans Luke Flemming Michelle Fu Alessandra Garofalo Emily Goertz Reagan Goodwine John Grimes David Hoff Emily Hruzek John Iler Elisa Irish Nicholas Kroger Catherine Larsen Caroline Latta Jonah Lou Emiliy Madden Morgan Maddox Victor Malbrel Barkley Manning Greyson Matte Claire Maxwell Haley McCloskey Jacob McNair Loren Moore William Morace Matthew Muschalik Kyle Nguyen Elliot Noon Brian Odum Phoebe Platt Benjamin Poe Sienna Rall Emily Read Annie Ren David Rottino Kimia Samiee Monica Saravia Hannah Schweitzer Emily Sigloch James Simpson Kiran Singal Bailey Snow Elizabeth St. Martin Christian Stanley Matthew Strutton

Zachary Tomaski Matthew Tomlinson Thomas Vincent Harris Weber James Westenhaver Grace Wilson

Texas A&M University, Corpus Chirsti Sydney Horn Grayson Joyce Jacob Trimble Patricio Vera Baez

Texas A&M University, Galveston Harrison Bridges Grant Brown Jason Tellez

Texas Christian University Audrey Epley William Overall David Schmidt

Texas State University Nicole Auer Lilah Dinh Breanna Martinez Ephraim Oluwasanya Allison Parker Grace Raymond Sara Reul Benjamin Rodolfo Sarenas Michael Leal

Texas Tech University Katelyn Driscoll Alden Jonas Cameryn McKinney Mackenzie Mobley Carson Montgomery Matthew Pappas Brielle Rauen

Texas Woman’s University Diona Evers

Trinity University Lydia Bryant Emma Pounds

University of Dallas Lucia Caranti University of Houston Sedra Al Shishakly Natalie Atkinson Luisa Bandmann Celeste Chamaa Guilherme Cordeiro Morgana Cowley Tri Do Scalzer Dos Reis

Carley Ford Camille Joubert Daniel Lim Anna Marak Siddhanth Menon Rohan Mukherjee Celeste Nadarasa Zachary Nguyen Zane Nguyen Emily Nili Thomas Pham Aida Pourmousa Brennan Rodriguez Jose Sanchez Martinez Bianka Sandoval William Sekely Logan Self Salam Shammas Armaan Shamsi Daniel Shoukry Zoe Slaughter Seungeun Song Aidan Stimson Haojun Wang Lance Wilson

University of Houston, Downtown Jean-Paul Boudreaux Alexis Marks Kezia Reis Media Davari

University of Mary-Hardin Baylor Brooke Duncan Chloe Sanders

University of North Texas Jose Canedo Theo Etuwewe Nora Wahbeh

University of St. Thomas Omar Blanco Reyes Cristo Gayoso Jack Mumey Jenny Reynolds Cassidy Ueckert

University of Texas at Arlington Ellen Choi Jackie Flores Thompson Evans

University of Texas at Austin Sarah Adams May Agah John Anderson Asha Ayyar Thara Ayyar Lucas Beja Pinto Audrey Birdwell Gina Bisha Michael Boyd

Taylor Braddock Jackie Cheng Tucker Chenoweth Merideth Dailey Walter Denny Natalija Dimitrijevic Olivia Du Ashlyn Feeney Scott Fonseka Grace Gammill Avery Garrett Alejandro Gomez Nicholas Haas Joseph Harp Harrison Herzog Samantha Hilder Alexandria Hohman Kelsey Hranicky Abby Hwang William Jackson Rahil Jagetia Hannah Khairandish Ryan Kiani Gyo Beom Koo Maclane Masraff Rushil Mehta Mary Caroline Mitchell Georgia Mooring Olivia Nance Amanda Neal Ethan Nguyen Fatima Nguyen Isabelle Nuzzo Milton Odegard Caroline Osborn Nicholas Pao Joseph Park Carolyn Parmer Emerrie Patterson Andrew Peterson Dalton Priest Ellen Ranslem Dyer Rawlinson Nika Rezanour Sloan Rigamonti Michael Rosenberg Tess Rudic Ana-Sofia Ruiz Laura Shepherd Gregor Smith Yunuo Sun Megan Tran Allison Tucker Elizabeth White LianMing Yan Melonie Yue Zoe Zhang

University of Texas at Dallas Kyle Chang Alexander Lee Tushar Sood Daphne Sun

West Texas A&M Unversity

Elizabeth Valicek

Utah

Brigham Young University

Payton Hill Andrew Ziegenhorn

University of Utah Constance Dull Marie Gulstad

Virginia Roanoke College Sean Kennedy

University of Virginia Benjamin Baay

Washington and Lee University Gillian Holloway

Washington Gonzaga University Jacob Long

Washington D.C. American University Adam Hussaini

George Washington University

Morgan Fu

Howard University Laura Fields

Wisconsin University of WisconsinMadison

Muhammad Raksi

Canada Queen’s University Andrew Chipman

Netherlands IVA Driebergen Jan-Willem VanHogerwou

Scotland University of St. Andrews Benjamin Schlieder

Gap Year Fabio Cerritos Christopher Del Rio Thomas Johannesen Keren Latif Giselle Walker

Senior Superlatives After four years, seniors dish out predictions and compliments to fellow classmates

Megan Benz, Design Editor, Andrew Peterson, Co- Editor in Chief

Allie Tucker

Thomas Cooper

Most Attractive Caroline Prewett

Nick Kroger

Tess Rudic

Tripp Soriero

best Laugh Akul Bavare

Most likely To become a billionare Cameryn McKinney Grayson Joyce

Cutest couple

Scott Fonseka

Best Smile

Best Eyebrows Emme Patterson

Grace Gammill

Adelaide Ellington

Anders Odegard

Prettiest Eyes Reece Weir

Davis Burleson

Should have a reality tv show

Payton Hill

Andrew Ziegenhorn

Should have dated Maddi Feinberg

Avery Garrett

Jack Ferruzzo

Biggest Flirt Davis Burleson

Jacki Morris

Biggest starbucks addict

Most Fashionable

Emma Buesinger

Lilly White

Hayden Smith

Davis Burleson

JT Carr

Changed the most since 9th

Changed the least since 9th

Reni Madden

Gigi Talbert

Michael Rosenburg

Memorial DAD/mom Greyson Matte

Best Bromance

Brennan Rodriguez

Worst case of senioritis Luke Lackey

Ellie Schnake

Best womance

Olivia Nance

Andrew Qin

Blakely Buckingham

Best to take your Sat Reni Madden

Michael Rosenberg

Most school spirit Annie Valicek

Matthew Pappas

Life of the party Claire Bryant

Ben Dukes

Most athletic Dare Lovett

Most texas Spirit MeganKelley Benz Emma

Gigi Talbert

Mary Margaret Edwards

Chip Hixson

Most likely to get towed Megan Benz Davis Burleson

Sarah Margaret Johnson

Stephen Helm

Most likely to be an influencer

going to be late to graduation

Ellie Schnake

Claire Logan

Dalton Priest

Coming home Every weekend

Christopher Hickey

Most likely to Move abroad

Megan Tran

Rishab Jagetia

Merideth Daily

John Iler

Most likely to cure cancer

Most likely to teach at mhs

Frances Hamilton

Conlee Dull

Andrew Peterson

Brennan Rodriguez

Most likely to host an award show

Most likely to lead a protest

Laura Shepherd

Elise Bounds

Dylan Kins

Luke Lackey

ate their quarantine snacks day 1

Best to brighten your day

Jennifer Kim

Lily Williams

Aidan Stimson

Matthew Pappas

Most likely to go off the grid

Talk their way out of a ticket

Elizabeth Teitz

Haley McCloskey

Andrew Burke

Most likely to win an oscar

Grey Gallio

sleep through a zoom call

Ask Andrew Andrew Peterson, Co-Editor in Chief

To quote Into The Spiderverse: “Okay, let’s do this one last time, yeah? For real this time. This is it.” This is the last Andrew Answers.

Any regrets?

At first thought, yes. Soooo many things that I would’ve done differently. But to quote my friend Meredith, “Life can only be lived forward and understood backwards.” We are the products of our pasts. I’ve learned a little bit from every stupid or bad thing I’ve done.

And while I’m definitely not perfect, I think my freshman self would be proud and excited if he could see how I’ve changed.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned?

A good leader doesn’t just lead by example, they lift people up to their level without feeling threatened. A good leader isn’t jealous, they are proud.

Last piece of advice?

If you’re going to say something about somebody else, take the time to think about how that person might react if they knew you were saying that. Better safe than sorry, right?

Oh, and don’t say something unless you mean it.

I really hope that everyone has good experiences in college and that Corona doesn’t screw everything up forever.

Stay Breezy, MHS

“

I thought the parade was so fun! It was so great to see where all of the seniors are headed next fall.

“

Have you enjoyed high school?

Over all, yes. It shocks me to think of myself when I entered freshman year because of how different I was and even more to think about how different I am now, compared to what I thought I was going to be. In the end, though, I’m happy with who I am now.

-Lane VanderVoort, sophomore

Community Through Climbing Rachel Royster, Asst. Editor in Chief

A year ago, I put on worn-in, Lysol-scented, rented neutrals (1) ,and my friends told me to climb my first official route: a bright yellow ladder (2). I sent (3) it easily, simply wanting to (nonchalantly) impress my friends, completely unaware that in a year, I’d have my own membership at that same rock gym practically itching to be out of quarantine so I could finally get to feel a hold in my chalked-up hands. When I really think back on it though, I’m just excited to see the familiar faces behind the desk at the entrance and to be able to sit back in my harness, holding my climbing partner in place as they rest on the wall.

I’ve had so many good memories at Texas Rock Gym. I’ve sent so many routes that I had marveled at someone else doing weeks before. I’ve stayed long past closing time saying goodbye to friends who were leaving for college the next morning. I have even made myself a swing in the overhang (4), but then got stuck there and someone had to lift me on his shoulders while three other guys had to untie my synced knot. All of these random memories have shaped my love for the sport and snuck their way into my life goals.

Throughout the first year of climbing, I’ve met so many kind people at competitions, crags (5) and in gyms. I’ve fallen in love with the sport and can’t wait to send different routes across America writing about all of my adventures and the people I meet as a free-lance journalist.

What started as a fun afternoon with friends has morphed into one of my biggest passions that gets me through hard times.

“

I’m really looking forward for graduation because we’ve waited our whole lives to walk across the stage and celebrate this milestone.

“

-Sidra Shishakly, senior

1.

A beginner climbing shoe

2.

A beginner route with many holds

3.

Finished the route

4.

The roof of a cave

5.

Outdoor rock faces

Jacob Long, Sports Editor

Leading up to high school, I had a big decision to make. I had to choose between joining the swim team and water polo or trying out for basketball. After a lot of thought and convincing from friends already on the team, I decided to be a part of the swim team. Going into it, I did not really know what to expect.

I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it, honestly. I thought it would take too much.

We had practice every weekday plus some Saturdays, swimming three to five miles every practice and going to meets that sometimes lasted up to six hours.

As high school went on, I was met with improvement, as well as setbacks. My junior year, I didn’t get to swim my main event, the 100 backstroke, at the varsity district meet. My senior season, I fought hard and made my way back to the varsity district meet and swam the 100 backstroke. I would never have been able to come back and put in the work I did without amazing coaches and people to help me through the intense practices. Because of Coach Mauss and Schreer, I made it through all four swim seasons.

At the end of every swim season, water polo season begins. My freshman year, I did not know if I wanted to play. Shortly after swim season ended, I was dragged into playing goalie for the JV team. I hated it. The next season, I told the coach I am going to be a field player. I ended up being better out of the goal. My junior year, I made it onto the varsity roster. We went on to the state tournament and earned fifth place. Senior year was supposed to be the best water polo season in Memorial history. We were heavily favored to win the region and earn first seed for state. We were also projected to place in the top four at the state tournament. Little did the seniors know that we would play our last water polo game together on March 10. I would do anything to be given the second half of our season back.

We were bound to do great things. Overall, the swim and water polo team has been the best thing that has happened to me in my life.

“

I can’t wait to be an Aggie, go through rush and enjoy all of the traditions at A&M.

“

The Decision

-Nikki Altman, senior

My Mama Thompson Evans, Reporter

My mother is probably one of the biggest influences in my life, not only due to the fact that she is the adult that I have spent the most time with, but also because of how much of a strong and influential person she has been in my life. From my birth she has taught me so many useful tips about how to approach the upcoming years of my life and how I should really evaluate how my actions in the present affect my future.

She has always tried to impress upon me the sheer importance of morals and how they will not only ground me as an individual in whatever activity I do, but also how they will provide healthy relationships with those around me. She was especially helpful in high school, as this is a time in many people’s lives when emotions tend to take control and irrationality becomes a prevalent source of anxiety in many lives. She always helped me stay grounded in my head and in my heart.

She taught me to approach my choices with a stable mentality and not be wavered by what others might think, but rather what’s going to help me grow and mature.

“

The parade was a blast!

It was so much fun to see all my friends and all of Piney Point filled with families and teachers.

“

-Claire Maxwell, senior

Her favorite conversation to bring up was how poorly I spent my money and how I need to be wiser in how I use my resources.

As I listened during these conversations, I just assumed she was nagging because that’s what all good moms do. However, by the end of high school, and after A LOT of growth, I was finally able to understand and appreciate what she was trying to get through my thick skull. While my spending habits were a lot of what she was teaching me to be wise about, it was really only half of the message. She was really trying to get me to understand that I’m going to be given a lot more than money in my future, and I need to learn now how to manage those things when I’m tasked with greater responsibility in the future.

Though to her it may not seem like it, I am truly grateful for her influence on me and the love my mother has given me through out my years, not only as dumb high schooler, but also as growing young man.

Thanks, Mama.

Emily Goertz, Reporter

My time at Memorial has been eventful, to say the least. We’ve been flooded, been on the news, beat Stratford a time or two, and are now on the longest senior skip day ever.

I’ve gotten to meet some of the best people and have made some of my all-time favorite memories with them throughout our time at MHS. Oddly enough, however, some of the best memories from my senior year were the ones that I made after school was canceled. Even if it was just sitting in the MDPC parking lot in our cars together or picnicking at the park, it truly made me appreciate the time I have left with my friends. I guess it’s true that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Everything feels like it’s happening in slow motion during the quarantine except for the time I have left before I leave for college, which feels like it’s flying by. While I can’t wait for college, small moments like these are something I will cherish forever.

It’s hard to describe how I feel when people ask about my senior year being cut short because not many people are able to understand. Senior year of high school is supposed to be an exciting and special time, and it’s disappointing to have to miss out on it. It’s weird how much I miss little things about the school day, like leaving for lunch or hanging out in the senior lot before school started. Despite it all, I feel like our class has been able to make the most of the situation.

So, congratulations, class of 2020! ‘Hope you didn’t peak in high school because the best is yet to come. Thanks for the best three years.

GIG ‘EM.

“

I miss sitting with my friends at lunch and catching up with whatever’s going on

“

The 2020 Class of COVID-19

-Chris Del Rio, senior

Reality Check Jennifer Kim, Reporter/Ads Editor

My hands grasp the steering wheel at nine and three as I drive down the road. Sitting in the passenger seat, my friend blows minty bubbles of gum. Approaching a familiar intersection, I instinctively yield without even glancing at the yellow sign. Though today there are no cars bustling our way and absolutely no reason for me not to make the slight right turn.

Yet my foot remains situated on the brake as I spot a “We Love This 2020 Senior” yard sign planted in the front lawn of a house. I begin thinking about all that has transpired, the rapid devastation going on, and realize that everyone is yielding to a force we can’t even see. We’ve given up a lot of the joy face-to-face interactions bring. We’ve been given economic uncertainty and tragedy. However, I recognize that lives have been altered for the chance at something better. And despite the world feeling different, at least I hear the birds still chirping the same songs.

Pop! Startled, I snap out of my consuming thoughts and turn to see my friend smiling and chewing. I realize that we’ve been stopped for a while.

“Are ya gonna go?” my friend asks, her tone somewhat bemused but mostly amused.

“Because I have this thing next week, and I don’t wanna be late.”

“

When I heard graduation would be held at Tully Stadium, I knew this would be a graduation the class of 2020 will never forget!

“

-Annie Huynh, Chemistry teacher

Given our very open schedules, we simultaneously realize the newfound irony in one of her usual dad jokes. She smirks, and I laugh. The current circumstances have made me deeply appreciate the people who create simple, effortless instances like these. I’m thankful for those who remind me that it isn’t all bad. Especially my friends, because they take full advantage of my low standards for what it takes to make me laugh. Moments of feeling truly weightless and solely happy are rare and brief, so really appreciate them and remember that there are more waiting for you.

My Advice for High School Faustina L Curi, Reporter These four years may or may not be the best of your life, but regardless, they are some of the most important. You may not see it now, and as much as it sounds like a huge cliche, it’s true. You’re transitioning from a young teenager to a legal adult, from living at home, being fed and driven around by your parents, to being responsible for yourself. While it’s not that important whether these years are spent going out or staying in, it’s important to enjoy them.

If I could give incoming freshmen any advice, it’s to make the most out of the years available.

As much as it feels like the world is in a rush to force you to grow up, you are still a kid, and you get to make mistakes and grow from them. My freshman year, Memorial was graffiti-ed with racial slurs and inappropriate drawings; sophomore year a kid hacked into Skyward and changed people’s grades for money; junior year we were involved in a scandal that made national news; and ultimately, my experience was cut short by an unforeseeable world crisis.

While it was a strange time, when I look back on high school, I hope I will feel as though I did enough, both regarding education and experiencing the world while the real world and responsibilities were just far away enough to give me room to live freely.

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I’m excited for the graduation ceremony at Tully so I can see everyone at least once more before college.

-Isabelle Hardie, senior

“

I split my high school years half and half. I spent my first two years neck-deep in books with no focus other than getting good grades and the last two making friends and going out. From my experience, I believe the best way to spend your time is to split it healthily, maintaining grades that will get you into college (which, by the way, is way harder than it seems) but also making friends and memories.

We Did It! Ria Shani, Reporter

For the last four years, I never stepped on the painted mustang in the courtyard. When I was a freshman, I was told I wouldn’t graduate if I stepped on the mustang. So I never did. I intentionally went around it and made sure that not even my pinky toe grazed even an inch of the mustang.

Fast forward to my senior year, where for a split second, I was worried. Worried that school was going to get canceled. Worried that I wasn’t going to get to go to graduation.

Now that we are having a graduation to commemorate my classmates’ and my hard work, I realize that superstitions and traditions can’t stop you from having a moment that you’ve worked for since freshman year. Your decisions and your success are all in your control. Also, because of the hard work of the administration, we are getting to have a graduation, and I am going to be able to reflect on all the amazing times at Memorial High School.

Being on the swim and water polo team brought some of my favorite memories, especially being a goalie, going to state, travel trips, conquering milestones and setting records that I hope will continue to be broken from this day on. Achieving best times and being a goalie for the best girls water polo team were highlights of my high school years. Hanging with my friends at pep rallies, doing drive by’s at someone’s house because of the coronavirus, taking selfies with Dr. Bowhuis, and yelling the Alma Mater after a winning football game will also always be memories that I will cherish. Not stepping on the mustang did not cause me to have these amazing moments. I did that, not a superstition.

“

I felt very celebrated by the Memorial community and it was a great way to come together as a class for one of the last times.

“

-Scott Fonseka, senior

Nonetheless, superstitions help you cherish achieved goals, and now I am happy to say that after four years, I’ve made it! Good luck to all my fellow seniors for all the opportunities and challenges that are in our future. To all the underclassmen, enjoy being a Mustang!

New Year’s Day

Sofia Casteneda, Reporter

January 1, 2013. I woke up to the news that my brother had passed.

Everyone expects death to be a horrendous, ugly topic to fear, but it is nothing like that. It was calm, but in a chaotic way. My family was an absolute mess, and because I saw them so broken down, I made a choice: I would not let myself cry in front of them. I have held that vow even until today and have forced myself to become stronger for my loved ones.

My animosity for pity made me become secretive about my brother. I think of myself as a strong person, so the thought of other people feeling pity for me annoys me. Days after the funeral, my older sister abandoned us. Looking back, I realize that was her way of coping with the emotional stress that came with this news.

I was riding a steady roller coaster that came to a sudden drop. The death of a loved one is never something you expect. Everyone told me “it would get better as time goes on,” but what if it didn’t?

At this point in my life, I started casting a shadow on my own true light. As a temperamental fifth grader annoyed by my parent’s every breath, my behavior changed after my brother’s death. I saw how broken they were, and this softened my disposition.

My attitude change at home also helped me be more patient and treat others differently. I was able to acknowledge that no matter how perfect someone’s life may seem, nobody’s life is perfect. I learned to be more gentle with other people, even if they seemed fine on the outside when they were actually falling apart.

“Are you okay? Are you okay? Are you okay?” My parents would constantly ask me this daily, so much that hey sounded like the seagulls from Finding Nemo. What did they

“

It’s been fun playing video games in quarantine, but I really miss seeing my friends in the hallways.

-Ben Poe, senior

“

December 31, 2012. I was a fifth grader celebrating New Year’s with my family in Colombia.

expect me to say? Yes? No, obviously I’m not okay, so why do they think they need to ask me every second, minute, hour? This is what a headstrong me in fifth grade would have complained about.

As I matured and aged, I comprehended that they knew I was not okay, but since they loved me so much, any progression I had made in my grief would mean the world to them. I understood more about how they felt losing two children and watching me trying to cover up my grief, which I thought I was hiding so well. They still knew how much I was hurting, even though I had made it my duty to try to hide my grief from them, because I thought it would make them even more melancholy.

Even though I wanted to yell at them for being so aggravating, I dragged the corners of my mouth as high as I could. Even though this is the last thing I wanted to do, I smiled. This strength has helped me in so many situations when all I have wanted to do was cry and scream, but I push through and keep my positive attitude.

Here is the part where I am supposed to write the conclusion. But my journey is still occurring. I’ll end it here on the note that even though my journey is far from over, I am enthusiastic for what comes ahead, even though I know it won’t be easy. My past experiences have helped strengthen me and taught me to not rely on anyone else for my happiness but myself. I know that I will have to work for the success I want in life.

However, as time has passed, I have become different: I have become someone who makes better choices.

“

I’ve missed hanging out with my friends the most, but I also really miss playing in band every day!

“

-Emma Pounds, senior

High School, Explained (Honestly) Elizabeth Tietz, Reporter

I would soon come to find out, however, that my brother was wrong. High school did not just teach me how to conquer the real world.

It acted as a template through which I could discover how I wanted my own world to look, and feel, and how I wanted to exist within it. It goes without saying that our class - Memorial High School’s class of 2020 - has seen it all in these past four years. We’ve seen bigotry, natural disasters, global pandemics, and, now, the loss of the senior experience we so desperately worked towards for 18 years. But within this turmoil, we’ve seen an immensity of good - collaboration, togetherness, school spirit, and unending resilience. Perhaps this has exposed us to some of what the world has to offer, but, for me, these events have created an environment which has allowed me to learn what’s most important to me - family, friends, creativity, art, happiness, and experiences.

And, if you’re asking me, that’s what high school is about. Not learning how to emerge a full blown adult ready to jump into a four-year degree and then a 9 to 5 job, but learning how to live with yourself and be somebody that you can respect and cherish and love, just as you love your closest companions.

Memorial High School, in and of itself, will not just teach you how to conquer the real world - and, in my opinion, it shouldn’t need to. If used correctly (underclassmen, I’m talking to you) these four years will allow you to meet yourself for the first time and get to know who you are, what you like, and how you want to live. Seniors - we’re already there. We’ve met ourselves. High school is over, and we made it.

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I miss my teachers more than I thought I would. They made me who I am today, and I’m grateful for that.

-Karter Mayo, senior

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It’s spring of 2016. I’m 13 years old and in my final semester at Spring Branch Middle School.

I’m in the passenger’s seat of my mom’s car, driving past the front lot of Memorial High School - my impending home for the next four years and, according to my graduated brother and his closest social circle, the place that would force me to grow up and learn how to survive in this world. I watch through my window as the Mustang sign flies by and am filled with the oddest combination of feelings - curiosity, apprehension, and, more than anything, exhilaration. I’m about to be a high schooler, and my life will never be the same.

An Unexpected Journey Jacob Rickel, Photographer

I didn’t think joining the newspaper staff was how I was going to finish my senior year. I was going to take two off periods and sleep until 10:00 every day and take it easy. Instead, I took a fourth year of engineering and joined the newspaper staff.

This year was by far the hardest and most stressful in terms of time management and course load for me. In spite of this ,I’m so grateful I was able to be on staff this year and be a part of the team that created the school magazine. As a photographer, I was able to meet and talk with people I never had before, and it helped me appreciate the Memorial community more than ever. We’re a large school with a diverse population of people, ideas, skills and talents. It’s hard to appreciate all of those people without being able to see them and hear their stories. I was happy to share those stories in my own way, and to help others feel that sense of community I had been missing for my first three years.

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I’m sad I won’t get to see my favorite teachers again.

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-Alden Jonas, senior

I’ll miss MHS a great deal. I’m glad I was able to be a part of so many groups before I left and make memories with the people I did. I’ll never forget the odd and difficult photo shoots for the newspaper. Those photos hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you all for letting me tell you my story.

On to the Next Chapter Izzy Matthews Elston, Reporter I spent a large part of my high school career finding new and creative ways to avoid actually being at high school. I sort of knew it wasn’t for me and, except for a few classes, I spent my time daydreaming about rock climbing and getting out into the “real world”.

However, despite my best efforts, I have spent countless hours in these buildings, sitting at these desks with people that grew to mean a lot to me. The lectures and homework became fuel for jokes, the visits to the attendance office became a time to reunite with old friends as we bonded over our absurd number of absences.

Especially now that I’ll be missing my second half of my senior year, I’m even more appreciative, in retrospect, of all the great moments I’ve had during my high school career and both the students and teachers that I’ve connected with. Coming from a private school to Memorial was a really positive experience for me, and I’m sad to see it end early, just as I felt like I had finally learned the ropes. That being said, I’m grateful for it to have happened at all, and I will miss all the friends I’ve made the past two years. I’m also grateful to the teachers who have encouraged me to work at what I enjoy. I can’t believe it’s over, but I am very excited to see what’s next.

Victorious Vals

After four years of battling B’s, 32 seniors stand together as they move on towards college

Sarah Chirapurath, Co-Editor in Chief

Heather An

Isabel An

Thara Ayyar

Parker Beck

Texas A&M University

University of Pennsylvania

Texas A&M University

Rice University

Blakely Buckingham

Luke Chapman

Noah Cezlusta

Mckennon Denny

Williams University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Columbia University

Olivia Du

Rob Espey

Scott Fonseka

John Grimes

University of Texas at Austin

West Point

University of Texas at Austin

Texas A&M University

University of Texas at Austin

Alex Hohman Alex Hohman

Kelsey Hranicky

Abby Hwang

Rishab Jagetia

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas in Austin

Duke University

Picture Unavailable

Kirim Kim Kirim Kim Rice University

Claire Maxwell Texas A&M University

Grace Lee

Daniel Lim

Luke Lorenzatos

University of Pennsylvania

University of Houston

Duke University

Nicholas Mendoza

Ethan Nguyen

Fatima Nguyen

Rice University

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin

Alex Hohman Emme Patterson

Andrew Qin

Tess Rudic

Annabel Shen

University of Texas at Austin

Duke University

University of Texas at Austin

Washington University

Megan Tran

James Westenhaver

University of Texas at Austin

Texas A&M University

Melonie Yue University of Texas at Austin

Zoe Zhang University of Texas at Austin

r e p Su ls a S

Eight salutatorians leave to conquer new campuses across the country Megan Benz, Design Editor

Ruka Adachi University of Chicago

Michael Boyd University of Texas at Austin

John Iler Texas A&M University

Hannah Khairandish University of Texas at Austin

Michael Rosenberg University of Texas at Austin

Ana-Sofia Ruiz University of Texas at Austin

Gregor Smith University of Texas at Austin

Allison Tucker University of Texas at Austin

Not All Heroes Wear Capes Senior reporters pass down their weapon of choice, the pen Sarah Chirapurath, Co-Editor In Chief

REMEMBERING THE SENIORS Andrew: staff dad, always pushing the limits, indisputably funny, music connoisseur Rachel: staff mom, always smiling, contagious laughter, go-to gal Jacob Long: super chill, best sports editor, meme king, og Anvil staffer Elizabeth: word wizard, fashion icon, hardworking, future actress Emily: impeccable sarcasm, really friendly, super smart, always positive Fausti: upbeat, super chill, hair goals, always down for anything, easy to talk to

DEAR SENIORS, One of the most unfortunate parts about this whole COVID chaos is that I didn’t get to spend more time with each of you in R206. And that we didn’t print our April issue, which was going to be a stellar issue! Regardless, I am grateful for the time I did have with all of you and am extremely proud of you. I love that each one of you has such a unique, distinct personality and that you each added something special to the staff and the publication. For those of you who were only on staff for one year: WOW! You jumped right in, figured it out and did a great job. For those of you who I’ve known for several years: thank you for being the excellent leaders you were and being great examples for the staff and the student body.

Your class was dealt an unfair hand this year, but you handled it with grace and maturity, and I know all of you will go on to do BIG things.

We will miss you. Please come visit!

Love, Ms. Hartman

FAVORITE ANVIL MEMORIES

Izzy: super sweet, rock climbing goddess, hard worker Jacob Rickel: photography and Photoshop god, always positive, super friendly Jennifer: writing/ads/ everything powerhouse, sweet personality, killer style, organized Ria: optimistic, good at swimming, down-to -earth, fun to be around, CEO of comedy Sofia: always nice, hair goals, hardworking, athletic queen, Thompson’s other half Thompson: super chill, king of caffeine, nice to everybody, Sofia’s other half

DEAR STAFF,

Andrew: PDFing the first issue and being able to actually relax for the first time in two weeks. Sarah: Taking the cover shot with Megan, Jacob Rickel and Ms. Hartman with the smoke bombs for the special, unreleased Anvil (thank you COVID-19). Rachel Royster: Dinners with Ms. Hartman and the editors, learning about each other and our great families.

Megan: Shooting our final (and best) cover with Sarah, Jacob Rickel and Ms. Hartman in Mustang Alleyway, only to not use it... rip. Charlotte: When we all made waffles on Valentines day and exchanged gifts for Secret Santa. Clara: Going to Starbucks after the first issue was published and Secret Santa. Elizabeth: One very chaotic late night my sophomore year working on the cover story with Kat and Rafi. Emily: Eating waffles on Valentine’s Day was so fun. Fausti: Going down deep dives with Izzy looking at the strangest celebrity news.

Izzy: When we exchanged gifts for Secret Santa. Jacob Long: When we would play games and eat waffles on Valentine’s Day. Jacob Rickel: When we took the April cover photo in the parking lot with Sarah, Megan and Ms. Hartman. Jennifer: When Rachel Royster showed me how to take the most unflattering yet perfect pictures. Rachel Lee: When we exchanged gifts for Secret Santa. Ria: When we played Headbandz and Jacob Rickel couldn’t guess Tarzan for the longest time. Sofia: When we would watch SNL skits about politicians.

Thompson: When we would have late nights and just eat and chill. Zarmin: My favorite Anvil memory is when we played Headbanz, and I could not get the word picnic. Ms. Hartman: When all of the yearbook and newspaper editors were in R206 at the same time on March 12, the last night of school.

We know this isn’t how the year was supposed to end. COVID-19 really put a wrench in our plans.

Looking at our first issue to our last issue, there’s a big difference in just about every aspect; all of you have become amazing journalists. Thank you for sticking with us through all of the hectic editing schedules, the changing and changing back of pages, what seemed like too fast deadlines and all of the late nights. Above all, we are so grateful that every one of you came into Anvil every day giving your 100%.

Next year everything is going to start all over again. It’s going to be tough for a bit, but trust us when we say that you are in the best possible hands. We’ve made a lot of memories in R 206 together, and even though we didn’t get to finish it out like we wanted to, the lessons we’ve learned and the love felt won’t ever leave us.

To Ms. Hartman, you are the greatest journalism teacher to have ever existed and we have absolutely no idea how we could have made it this year without you.

Your dedication to both The Anvil and the staff is unfailing and astounding. YOU are what makes this publication great and we thank you for that!

We are so incredibly grateful and proud that we got the chance to call you Anvil staffers this year!

Love, Andrew Peterson and Sarah Chirapurath