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NBy Sally Kalosnenna Opara, a senior at ReaganHigh School, is a dedicated athleteon the track and field team. Throughout her school years, beginning in middle school, Nnenna has excelled in a variety of sprint events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and several relay races such as the 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m relays.Inspiration for Nnenna comes from her siblings, who have all participated in track and field. Their understanding of the sport’s challenges and their unwavering support have been crucial in motivating her to excel. Nnenna’s track career is marked by significant achievements such as becoming a District, Area, and Regional Champion, qualifying for State, being a Texas Relay Finalist, and being featured in the “Returners Headline All-San Antonio Girls Track Team.”Beyond athletics, Nnenna is deeply involved in her school community. She is a co-founder of the Environmental AwarenessClub, a Senior Class Officer, and a member of the Chemistry Club, showcasing her diverse interests and leadership skills.While she is still deciding on which college to attend, Nnenna plans to pursue a pre-med major, reflecting her academic ambitions beyond her athletic endeavors. Her advice to fellow students is to embrace every opportunity, regardless of how daunting it may seem, as each experience is enriching and contributes to personal growth.One of Nnenna’s most cherished memories in track came during her junior year at the 4x100 regional prelims track meet. Despite qualifying for finals in 6th place—normally not high enough to advance to state—her team entered the finals with optimism and determination. Their efforts were rewarded when they placed first, securing a spot at the state track meet, a testament to the power ofperseverance and belief.To succeed in track, Nnenna emphasizesthe importance of discipline, focus, and consistency, traits she has cultivated by surrounding herself with like-minded individuals and staying committed to her goals. She also stresses the importance of enjoying the process; not every day yields peak performance, but commitment should never waver.A fun fact about Nnenna is her pre-track meet ritual: listening to music, particularly tracks by J. Cole, which she finds uplifting and motivating. This small ritual helps her focus and reminds her of her capabilities.As she continues her journey in track and field, Nnenna looks forward to competing in more events and hopes to inspire others with her dedication and achievements, both on and off the track.camaraderie he felt when his team qualified for the state competition last year—a highlight of his athletic career. He attributes his success in cross country to consistency and dedication, emphasizing that a strong mental approach is crucial in a sport as demanding as long-distance running.As for fun facts, Sam keeps it simple, indicating no particular news or eventsOutstanding Athlete : Nnenna OparaOutstanding Athlete : Sam Frankelon the horizon. His focus remains on his upcoming educational and ROTC commitments, as he prepares to transition from high school to the challenges of college life. His story is a testament to the power of dedication and the importance of balancing athletics with academic and personal growth.SBy Sally Kalosam Frankel, a senior at Ronald Reagan High School, is an integral part of the cross-country team. Hisintroduction to running began in middle school with distance track, but he truly committed to the sport during his freshman year of high school.Sam’s running inspiration comes from his older sister, who not only introduced him to running but also continually encouraged him to excel. This familial motivation has been a cornerstone of his success and perseverance in the sport. Over the years, Sam has experienced significant milestones, including his team making it to the State competition last year. Although this year they only reached regionals, with Sam attributing the team’s qualification to faster teammates, it’s clear his humility and team spirit are strong.Apart from cross country, Sam is actively involved in several school activities,Johnson Fine Arts Department Brings Beloved Fairy Tale to LifeSam Frankel with his younger brother, Will.including DECA, PALS, and the National Honor Society, showcasing his diverse interests and commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.Looking forward, Sam hopes to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) where he plans to participate in ROTC rather than continue competitive running. He is considering a major in Biochemistry with an eye towards preparing for medical school, though he remains open to adjusting his academic path as needed.Sam’s advice to fellow students is a reflection of his own approach: work hard and fully commit to your goals. He believes that the effort students put in during high school will pay dividends in the years to come, setting them up for future success.One of Sam’s cherished memories from cross country was the elation andEBy Amanda Navarxperience the magic as JohnsonHigh School Fine Arts Departmentbrings Cinderella: Enchanted Version to the stage! With music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this timeless tale of transformation, love, and a little bit of fairy godmother dust has been adapted by Tom Briggs to create a charming musical production for the whole family. Follow Cinderella from her humble beginnings to royal splendor in a night filled with dazzling costumes, breathtaking sets, delightful live music, and unforgettable performances. Johnson’s portrayal of the cherished classicis sure to sweep audiences into a world of wonder, where dreams really do come true. The show runs from January 24 to 27 at Johnson High School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for the upper section and $20 for the lower section and can be purchased online.But the magic doesn’t stop there! On January 11 from 10am - 2pm, young princes and princesses are invited to Cinderella’s Court Coronation at the Cibolo Canyons Amenity Center. Kids can come dressed in their best royal attire for an unforgettable experience of fairy tale fun. For $25, each attendee will be treated to majesticJohnson Theatre - continued on page 13 Dec. / Jan. 2024-25Call Mary - 210-325-3720 www.creativememories.com/cm/MaryDesigns10www.stoneoakhighlights.comWe Make ScrapbookingFun!