Members of the Class of 2022 move their tassels during their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022. (Ryan Crowe/FCR)
FLOYDADA – It’s the day they waited for since they entered Kindergarten. Thursday was Graduation day as thirty-seven seniors walked across the stage at Floydada Collegiate High School’s Whirlwind Gym.
We spoke with Valedictorian Erin Trevino and Salutatorian Kaitlyn Vega on their last day as high school students, asking them some serious and some silly questions as they prepared for their big night.
Valedictorian Erin Trevino
What’s Next? “I’m still seeing about softball. Where I would want to play, if I do want to play, but if not Texas Tech. I’m going to major in nursing to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner.”
Why that career? “I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field. I’ve just always wanted to help people.”
Your feelings before graduation? “I’m nervous. It’s exciting, but it went by so fast, it’s crazy!”
What are your summer plans? “I’ll just work (at FCISD central office). And if I do decide to play softball, I’ll be playing softball in the summer.”
What is your favorite memory of high school? “Probably whenever we went to Cinergy in Amarillo about two weeks ago. The bus ride was fun and it was fun time.”
Your most embarrassing memory from Elementary? “When I broke my collarbone in 6th grade and had to go to school the next day with my arm in a sling.”
What would be your go-to meal after graduation? “Brisket from anywhere, with a side of mashed potatoes and a salad.”
Twenty years from now when people ask where you’re from, what will you say? “I’m from Floydada. It’s 50 miles northeast of Lubbock.”
If you could have a walkup song before your speech? “I Lived by OneRepublic it reminds me of childhood. I like that one.”
What message would you tell those coming up behind you? “Cherish all your moments, it goes by in a blink of an eye. Just make sure to have fun and live life.”
Salutatorian Kaitlyn Vega
What’s Next? “I’m going to attend Tarleton State to major in Animal Science and eventually a vet school.”
Why that career? Through all the involvement through FFA and stock shows, volunteer for Floydada Animal Shelter, it just really inspired me to make a difference for both livestock and domestic animals.
Your feelings before graduation? “I’m very excited for my classmates, I hope they do everything they’ve always wanted. For myself, I’m very excited to start my new chapter.”
What are your summer plans? “I’m going to be shadowing a veterinarian in Tulia this summer. I hope to get more feedback, more tips, things that will help me be prepared for vet school.”
What is your favorite memory of high school? “When Mr. Rogge would tell us all his crazy stories and we would all believe him.”
Your most embarrassing memory from Elementary? “In second grade I got glue in my bangs in Mrs. Bandy’s class. I was freaking out because I had this glue in my bangs and Clarissa (De La Fuente) was like ‘just cut it’ so we both cut our hair because we had glue in our hair.”
What would be your go-to meal after graduation? “I would go for a steak from Texas Roadhouse with Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese.”
Twenty years from now when people ask where you’re from, what will you say? “I’m from Floydada, Texas. It’s a community that is always going to be there, no matter the situation.”
If you could have a walkup song before your speech? Good Old Days by Ke$ha & Macklemore. It’s our senior song. I think that it’s just a great song. It highlights that we’ve had good days together and as it’s coming to an end we’re going to have more good days ahead.”
What message would you tell those coming up behind you? “Always stay true to who they are. They’re going to come in life where they hit rock bottom or don’t feel like they belong but I strongly believe that they have a purpose and just no matter what always stay true to who you are.”
