RFTB Is More than Just Four Letters

BY LINDSEY GATTIS

Dr. Mahindrakar, parents, faculty, and Class of 2023 seniors:

As we sit here today, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Nostalgia, because we are leaving behind four years of memories and experiences that we will cherish forever. Excitement, because we are about to embark on a new journey, one that will shape our future and define who we are as individuals.

The future graduating classes are going to have huge shoes to fill. I mean, the Class of 2023 had not one, not two, but three senior ditch days.

In all seriousness, I am proud to have been a part of a class that really made the most of their high school experience—a class that greatly contributed to the community that is held together by the phrase, “Ride for the Brand.”

Ever since we stepped foot on campus in 2019, Riding for the Brand has slowly gathered more and more meaning. At first, R-F-T-B was just the four letters that we would shout from the back of the student section as freshmen at our first Friday Night football games.

But four years later, we feel a deeper sense of belonging and Stallion pride every time we hear “Ride for the Brand.”

RFTB is what we felt in the theater, amazed at the talent in outstanding performances like Chicago. RFTB is what we felt while sitting in the freezing cold bleachers, cheering on our classmates in their winter sports seasons.

RFTB is what we felt at club rush as we gathered around each other’s passions. RFTB is what we felt at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night setting up our gym for a pep rally. And it’s also what we felt when the Class of 2023 took home this year’s Clash of the Classes trophy.

I never thought I would feel this connected with a school community as I have these past years. We formed a community through all of our different interests and talents, and we always rooted for each other.

The Stallion staff has gone above and beyond in getting us to where we are sitting today. Teachers like Mrs. Gonzalez made an effort to form a personal connection with each and every one of their students.

Supervisors like Ms. Kim, who whipped around in her golf cart with the biggest smile, spread a bit of joy on campus every day. You might have been sitting at lunch one Friday, minding your own business, and out

Holly Walker

Jake Wally

Kylie Ward

Zachary Ward

Asher Warther

Scott Weitzel

Dylan Wersching

John West

Natalie White

Sophia White

Riley Whiteside

Austin Williams

Brett Williams

Carah Williams

Grant Winer

Ella Winger

Eden Woffinden

Sydney Wolfe

Tyler Wolter

Emma Wood

Kimiko Yanaura

Richard Yartz

Samuel Zabrocki

Julie Zamarripa

Jashley Zaragoza

Ebony Zavala

Taylor Zielenbach

Marcos Zlatich

Mason Zoller

Adam Zucker

Gabriella Zuniga of nowhere, Dr. Mahindrakar told you a bad principal joke, and in just a matter of seconds, you were famous on his Instagram account. It was little moments like these that really made our high school experience unique— something that you could only understand if you RFTB.

During my time here at San Juan Hills, I have learned a vital life lesson. Whatever you put into something is what you get out of it. The more you invest, the more you get back.

As students on this campus, we have been blessed with a multitude of opportunities to grow—not only academically, but as individ- uals. The Class of 2023 has not only taken advantage of these opportunities, but has turned each experience into an unforgettable memory.

As much as I am going to miss this school and the community that comes with it, I am so excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of us.

I encourage us all to make the most of the rest of our lives, just like we have made the most of this memorable journey at San Juan Hills High School.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! We did it!