Staff intern and recent high school graduate Jose Lozoya looks back on his years at Strawberry Crest.
Jose Lozoya
Staff Intern
High school was about a lot of things for me, but mainly it was about working hard and making sure to live in the moment.
I remember being a junior and watching the seniors leave on their last day. As they got their last glimpse of the school, they realized what they were walking away from. I knew I'd be next, and that moment inspired me to make the best out of my senior year.
A LOOK BACK
In my senior year, I became more involved in my school than I had ever been before. It was important for me to stay focused in my seven classes and have fun while I was doing it.
I became the managing editor of the school’s yearbook program. The yearbook staff and I created a yearbook under the watchful eye of our advisor, Morgan Miltner, the woman who I credit for introducing me into the world of journalism and practically changing my whole life. After a long time of not knowing what I could possibly be doing for the rest of my life, I had finally found it.
I also landed a yearlong internship with the Plant City Times & Observer. It helped me push myself to better my skills in journalism for the yearbook. Writing for my hometown newspaper gave me a look into my future, and I now hope to pursue a career in journalism.
CLASS OF 2016
I think the class of 2016 definitely lived up to the previous senior classes. We filled up the student sections on game days, worked hard to achieve goals academically and made lifelong friends.
New standards were set, new traditions were made and, as a school, we made sure the rest of the city knew that in our seventh year of our school being open, the Chargers were no longer the new kids on the block.
I couldn't have gone through high school alone. I'd like to thank three people: my mom, for raising me, my brother and my sisters by herself, making sure I was able to attend school events and pushing me to work hard to get where I wanted. My sister Angie, for teaching me so much about becoming a young adult. Everything I know about drive, respect and working for what I want, I learned it from her. Lastly, to Ms. Miltner, for taking me under her wing, protecting me and making sure I was doing well in my classes, teaching me so much about life and how to survive after high school during her "life lessons with Miltner,” and being the best teacher anyone could ask for.
Graduation marks the closing of a chapter in our life, but thankfully, because of Strawberry Crest, we will never forget where we came from. No matter where we go and no matter what we do, we will always have one thing in common: we will always remain the Strawberry Crest High School graduating class of 2016.
Jose Lozoya is a staff intern for the Plant City Times & Observer.
