By Kennedy Jordan, Copy Editor | May 9, 2023

“You may not be the smartest person in the room, but you can be the most hardworking person. Put yourself out there. You’re limitless.” Expressed by Soha Arian, Valedictorian for the class of 2023. Soha is a great display of amazing work ethic. She had a dream and consistently followed through with it from the day she narrated a speech about wanting to be Valedictorian in the seventh grade. 

She’s very family oriented and was inspired by her mother to carry out her dream. “My mother was also at the top of her class in her home country. When she arrived in America, she hardly knew English. Regardless, she studied every single night and succeeded as one of the top hygienists in America. Without having a firm grasp of the English language, my mama was able to get the highest marks. My mother expressed that there is no limit to anyone’s success.” Soha wants to make it clear that if you put your mind to the things you're passionate about the results will come on their own.

Although Soha made it look easy doesn’t mean it was. Her main inspiration to continue to push to keep her ranking was being able to be free of expenses for college. The Texas Education Agency gives the Valedictorian a tuition exemption, so this inspired her to keep her ranking.

Not only did Soha do well in her academics she also participated in a lot of extracurriculars that allowed her to balance out her lifestyle: “The Culinary Arts program was the best experience of my high school career. I signed up for almost all of the catering events and went to every competition. I met most of my best friends through Culinary, and it feels like a second home.” Wynter Jacobs, Mariah Brown, Maisha Mahjabin, and Kait Cornell made her the happiest. Mrs. Gallardo was the best role model for Soha, and she was very supportive. Culinary Arts will always be a part of her life, and she plans to continue her culinary education outside of high school as an aspiring Pastry Chef.

For the past seven years, she has forged some of her greatest friendships in the Orchestra program. Participating in Solo & Ensemble as a duet with Marissa Montoya brought them closer together. She met Diba Kharazi through the Orchestra program as well. She appreciates the opportunities the Orchestra has provided me. Being a part of the Poetry Club was wholesome because members Autumn, Riddhi, and Kennedy attended Freeman Elementary with her. Ms. Cordes and Mrs. Bush provided a welcoming and nurturing environment to share their poetry, and she enjoyed all of the competitions they competed in. 

Soha is the perfect example of a down-to-earth person, who believes anything is possible whenever you put in the work. “You can be Valedictorian without taking the most AP classes. It’s important to balance your life.”

By Eliana Acosta, Staff Writer | February 14, 2023

Junior Paige Abbott is a great example of a normal high school student. She likes painting, cooking, playing the electric guitar, and more. She also has mental health problems she is learning to overcome. Every teen is like Paige, but she is a great example of what teens go through.  

“For me, just like pretty much any other teenager, I struggle with my mental health sometimes…I used to be in therapy… however I am finally going back to it pretty soon, and that's okay. Needing therapy isn't a bad thing, nor is it something to be embarrassed about. I am constantly surrounded by people who love me dearly and support me no matter what. That is more than I could ever ask for. I am proud to say that my mental health has been flourishing recently! I keep up with facial care, invest in really good hair products, drink way more water, eat healthier, make money, and love myself. I am passing Geometry for the first time since I started the course LAST YEAR. Things are hard, but it's the small things.”  This is an amazing reason why Abbott is such a good student. She has been a great example of how you can make yourself happy. 

She also has an amazing talent and passion for art: “My boyfriend got me a mini fridge for Christmas, and my first thought was to paint a tiny mural on it.” Her creativity doesn't end with art. She also is learning how to play guitar. She also has amazing makeup skills and enjoys photography. This is why she joined Journalism.  

Now you know why Paige Abbott is this month's student spotlight. She is a great example of how to be a happy high school student. 

By Sa'Miyah Washington, Layout/Design Editor and Xzavier Wade, Photo Editor

Afeefa Tahseen is not only a hardworking student that attends Ranchview,  but she is also the youngest president of a public youth speaking program outside of school while also being a cross-country track star and video game designer.

With plans of attending a university and studying law, Afeefa’s core hobbies benefit her in the near future. Additionally, her consistency stems from her coach realizing how far she's come when it comes to cross country and running track while being a public speaker and president of the youth speaking program. She believes in her ability to communicate with others because it is a big fear of many people. This program helps people break out of that mentality while also allowing them to practice interviews, debates, and speeches.

The youth speaking program teaches teens and children the steps of systematic training and how to succeed on a road to leadership which involves confidence boosting, public speaking skills, learning executive functioning skills, and making good well-being habits out of life. It also provides other opportunities to show that you can do anything and be anything you put your mind to.

Tahseen is a good role model at Ranchview, making her dreams of success come into play while also revealing certain things she loves about school.