Marisa Watkins

By Jessica Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

Marissa Watkins smiles when she thinks about high school graduation and about her life afterward. “I’m really excited and a little nervous,” she admits.

She said that her favorite part of high school has been the time spent with all of her friends. “I’m really going to miss them,” she says. “I wish I could bring them all to college with me.”

She said that she will also miss theater classes at MVHS because “[Kenna] Dalley is an amazing teacher.”

Watkins’ best memory of high school is the time when the dance team took the State Championship in her sophomore year. “It was an amazing feeling to have won something for dance because it is so important to me,” she commented.

Marissa’s favorite subject in school has been math; especially Algebra. “Most people don’t like math but I think its fine because I’m good at it.” She especially appreciates math teachers Robin Fulmer and Emily Pack for helping her to prepare for her college AP test.

However, Marissa made it clear that she strongly dislikes government or any history class in general. “I’m just really not that into it.”

Next year, she plans to travel to Utah to go to Snow College. She wants to major in music and theater while there. In the future, she hopes to be a college graduate and plans to perform in musical theater while being a loving wife and mother.

Her advice to all high school attendees is to enjoy it while it lasts. “Don’t graduate early,” she advises. “You will love the experience of your senior year.”

Cody Adams says that he is eager to graduate from high school and move on to greater things.

“I never really expected to be where I am now,” he says. “But I’m excited to be where I am and to see where I’m going.”

When asked what he thought was his favorite part of high school, he responded with, “Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t say finishing it is the best part.”

However, Cody also loves the ability to be with people who share his love for the performing arts. He enjoys all the people at the high school, whether they be students, teachers, or the administrative staff. He said that he will especially miss the assistant librarian, Ms. Markoshek, who he visits frequently.

Cody said that the highlight of his high school years was when the drama department put on the play “Little Shop of Horrors” earlier this year.

“That was the biggest hit we’ve had for a play for a long time,” he explained. “Plus, it was fun to perform with my friends.”

His favorite class is theater. “The focus is sharing the talents you’ve been given,” he said. “And Ms. Dalley is a wonderful role model.”

Cody said that he has strongly disliked math in high school. “Even when I’ve had the best teachers trying to explain it to me and convince me to get my homework done, it’s still the least fun thing ever.”

Next year, Cody plans to move to Provo, Utah to live with his grandparents. He plans to work there for a year, then go on a mission for the LDS Church.

When he returns, he wants to go to college. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet,” he admits. “It could be anything from becoming an All-star Lawyer to playing the piano and singing at a club just to pay the rent.”

In the next five to ten years, Cody hopes to be successful and to have his mind made up on what he wants to do. “As long as I’m happy with my job and keeping myself and my family afloat, I’ll be content,” he said.

Cody’s advice to incoming freshman is to get involved. “If I have one regret, it’s staying home one weekend here and there rather than hanging out with friends. Don’t miss out on any clubs or any part of high school.”