Jacob Bacino
- How does winning the homecoming king nomination make you feel? What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?
I was honestly taken aback when I heard them call my name at the Homecoming game. I never would have guessed I’d be one of the people to win such an honor. Looking back at it now, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing that my fellow students value me as much as I value them.
- What is your favorite thing/things you will miss most from Central?
Picking just one thing I will miss from Central is near impossible, but at the end of the day, I’ll miss being able to spend a lot of time with my friends. Whether it’s during lunch, classes, or mornings in the Commons, I’ve always cherished being surrounded by friends at this school.
- What activities are you involved in at school?
I am involved in several music programs here at Central. I serve as one of the two drum majors in the marching band, as well as a saxophone player for the Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra. I also tutor through many of the honor societies here, with math being the one I help with the most.
- What activities do you participate in outside of school?
Outside of school, I help out at my church as an altar server and a sacristan. I also help organize/run a game night with friends all around the country, which serves as a nice destresser from daily life.
- What do you do for fun?
I love playing music whenever I can, primarily jazz, but I’m always open to trying something new. Jigsaw puzzles and tackling challenging math problems are also sources of entertainment and satisfaction for me.
- Plans after high school? College? Career? What are you looking forward to after high school?
I plan on attending college for Aerospace Engineering or a related field. As for something I’m looking forward to after high school…that’s a bit tougher. It would probably be the freedom and incentive to go and try something new.
- What is one way in which you have changed since freshman year?
I’ve come out of my shell a lot since my freshman year. I remember walking through those doors for the first time at Central, shielding my face from everyone. Man, things have changed quite a bit since then.
- Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! Often, the best things happen to you when you try something daunting and exciting, so take a risk every once in a while!
Annemarie Thompson
1. How does winning the homecoming queen nomination make you feel? What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?
Winning this honor of Homecoming Queen makes me feel extremely happy and grateful, knowing that my peers chose me for this role. My greatest takeaway from this experience is the importance of unity and inclusivity. It showed how we can create a strong sense of community and togetherness when we support one another.
- What is your favorite thing/things you will miss most from Central?
The thing I will miss most about Central is my friendships and the sense of belonging within our community. I will definitely reflect back on the daily interactions with my friends, laughing a lot, and the support we’ve given one another throughout the past four years.
- What activities are you involved in at school?
At school, I am a part of the Red Devil Ambassadors, the wrestling team, Spanish National Honors Society, Operation Smiles, and Interact Club.
- What activities do you participate in outside of school?
When I’m not in school, I have been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten, I am a waitress at a local Italian restaurant, and I wrestle for a club team.
- What do you do for fun?
For fun, I love to cook, run, go to the gym, and be surrounded by my friends and family.
- Plans after high school? College? Career? What are you looking forward to after high school?
After high school I am very excited to continue my wrestling journey in college and study Speech Pathology!
- What is one way in which you have changed since freshman year?
One way in which I have changed since freshman year is my increase in self- confidence. Like many freshmen, I was a bit shy and took time to adjust to the new high school environment. I’ve grown more confident in being myself and encourage others to do the same!
- Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?
If I were talking to my freshman self, I would tell her to not be afraid of change and to embrace taking risks. Go out for a new sport, try a new club, talk to someone new, and take a class you aren’t sure if you’d be interested in. High school is all about change and learning about yourself! You grow outside of your comfort zone.
