HOLLY POND, Ala. — In this interview, I talked to Holly Pond senior Raylee Beeson about some of the many memories she made in her Bronco years.
“I was involved in the Pep Club (ninth and 10th grade), the Key Club and FCCLA (9th-12th grade). Key Club was always a fun experience because I got to volunteer with many things, and I learned valuable lessons. It also teaches you how important volunteering can be and standing up for what’s right. FCCLA was a great club that I will miss. We got to go to fashion shows and national conferences that were always a blast, and I would like to say I had the best teacher around. I learned a lot about personal growth and leadership development,” Beeson said. “Pep Club always keep everyone involved to support our sports players and it taught everyone no matter if you play sports or not, you can always be a part of something.”
Being a part of those clubs helped Raylee become the person that she is today, and she was blessed to have some great people join in those clubs as well. She had some great high school memories during her time as a Bronco and she talked about what made Holly Pond a special place to go to.
“I learned how to be a better person and even on your bad days, someone’s day could be worse, so always encourage others and be positive,” Beeson said. “You build new friendships through the years, and I enjoyed working together as a team. My favorite high school memories were when I was crowned Senior Miss Bronco. I was able to be on the homecoming court. I enjoyed the FCCLA field trips and all of the pep rallies. Some more of my favorite memories were just being able to do the basic high school things, such as ‘Friday Night Lights’ and the senior prank. It’s small, but it is like a big family, and everyone comes together, no matter what.”
Raylee talked about what she will remember the most about going to Holly Pond, what she’ll miss the most, and what all she will take away from being a Bronco.
“I will remember being crowned Senior Miss Bronco after being in the pageant since eighth grade,” she said. “I will miss the faculty and most definitely, Mrs. Laney and Mrs. Burke. I will take away all of the lessons I have been taught, the friendships I have made, and I can always come back and count on Dr. Turner to be there with a helping hand.”
Raylee gave some advice to the students that will be starting high school in August.
“I would tell them no matter what, keep your head held high and you can do it. I was the new kid coming in my eighth-grade year and that wasn’t the easiest. I didn’t know anyone and I came from a big school to a tiny school. I was terrified, so I get you might be scared going into high school. Do not hesitate to ask questions. All of the teachers are there to help you. You will have many friendships and you will lose and gain some. It’s okay to distance yourself from someone who’s going down a different path than you, but make sure to keep your faith in God and follow your heart.”
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