Prince Manuel Rivera
Q: What is it like being on the homecoming court during the current pandemic?
A: “Because I’m doing classes online, it is a different experience since I’m not able to be around my peers. I’m extremely honored for this opportunity, but I feel like I would have enjoyed it to the fullest if the pandemic would have never occurred. I feel like the fall semester is a staple in a graduating senior’s school year, and I wish my peers and I would have been able to experience their last fall semester at school.”
Q: What does being on homecoming court mean to you?
A: “Being [on] the homecoming [court] truly means a lot to me. I’ve been wanting to be a part of it since I was a kid and it’s finally coming true. From the parade, the game, to the dance, I’m excited for it all.”
Q: How did you feel when you found out you were on the homecoming court?
A: “Whenever I first found out I was elected to be a part of the homecoming court I didn’t believe it. I asked a couple people just to make sure I was actually selected. I’m truly grateful for everyone who voted for me and gave me this opportunity.”
Q: Have you always wanted to be on homecoming court? Why or why not?
A: “Part of me has always been interested in being a part of the homecoming court, but I never really [focused] on it that much until this year.
Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your senior year so far?
A: “COVID-19 has turned my senior year upside down. Whenever we were choosing our schedule for senior year, I had planned on staying all through both semesters, but then I decided to switch up my schedule last minute to graduate early. Although [I am] missing half of my senior year, I think this is what’s best for me because I would like to start university early.”
Q: Despite the circumstances, how will you make the best out of your senior year?
A: “To make the best out of my senior year, I have tried to be more involved in activities that are going on for students. I would say I’m very involved lately, and I plan to keep it that way.”
Q: What are you most excited about regarding homecoming?
A: “Regarding homecoming, the activity I’m most excited about is the football game because I get to walk down the field with my mom. My mother [has been] a big role because no matter what, good or bad, she’s always there to brighten people’s day and I want to grow up to be like her.”
Q: Who/what inspired you to get involved in homecoming?
A: “Throughout my childhood I saw a couple movies which had a homecoming, and that really caught my attention. I never really understood what homecoming was until I got to high school, which raised my interest in being a part of the court.”
Q: Throughout high school, what were you involved in? What was your favorite activity you were involved in and why?
A: “I started off only being in the AVID program and band program. Throughout my sophomore and junior year, I joined Student Council and I am ending my senior year with only StuCo. I wish I could’ve stayed in the other two programs but they didn’t fit in my schedule. Out of every club or organization I have been in, my favorite has been AVID because not only did I learn about organizations and school, but I also gained friends and made some of the best memories with those people.”
Q: What will you miss most about high school when you graduate?
A: “Once I graduate, I believe the thing I’m going to miss the most about high school is being able to see my friend on a daily [basis]. I’ll definitely miss the Friday night football games, but I believe everyone should move on and enjoy the memories.”