As the 2022-23 school year comes to an end the fleeting memories of this past year begin to return, especially for our graduating seniors. This last week is a time to take in the remaining moments of their high school career and prepare themselves for the upcoming changes. Team captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team, announcer for the school’s morning announcements, and active member of DECA, overachieving isn’t something new to Mary Haynes. She is a shining example of what it means to be a Hidden Valley Titan.

High school can be challenging, but being a senior brings its own difficulties to overcome as well. For Mary, the most challenging task as a senior was, “finding peace with the next step. Whether that be education, work, or even life.” That next step for her is going to be at JMU. The highlight of her year was getting accepted into her dream college. Her acceptance into James Madison was one of her biggest accomplishments and, for her, was one of the best parts of senior year.

Being that she was always busy with soccer and extracurriculars, there have been sometimes when her homework has gone undone. But being the creative innovator she is, there have been some pretty slick excuses to get out of not having it done. One of which being, “my chicken tore up my homework.” Hidden valley is full of shared inside jokes. Often the best memories come from the silliest things. For Mary the funniest inside joke was, “blueberry.” No context given…

When asked to give advice to our incoming class of 27’ Mary refrains from the usual “make friends and focus on school”, and instead has something different to say. “Be a lowrida,” she says.

As we go through life, we often find ourselves wondering what the future holds. For Mary, she sees herself 10 years from now still paying off debt. But despite the unknowns she is excited to see where life takes her in the upcoming years.

As the school year comes to an end it’s important to reflect on all the memories made. High school is a time for making memories that will last a lifetime. A memory Mary will forever remember from her time here at Hidden valley is playing soccer for Hidden Valley. “HV soccer has always been one of my fondest memories. Being able to hangout with friends and play my favorite sport at the same time brought so much joy to my high school career.”

Even through all the regrets, stressful times, and excuses made up for no homework, Mary found a way to finish high school pridefully and with a smile on her face! Leaving behind her legacy for the girls’ soccer team, she’s now off to James Madison University where she will be majoring in business. Good luck Mary!