Olivia Holcomb

Holcomb has been a part of the Flour Bluff community since  she began the PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities) at the Early Childhood Center. Though she left for a while, she did return to Flour Bluff ISD in her freshman year and now, she is preparing to graduate as a member of the Class of 2025.

“She’s matured greatly and gained a lot of independence during high school,” said her mother, Denise Saldaña. 

Holcomb has maintained A-B Honor Roll and has found a lot of meaning in her high school years. 

“It’s not that fun, but [I] get through it,” Holcomb said.

Although high school has been challenging and emotional, she has learned the importance of perseverance. 

“I like to be here,” referring to her love for always being at school, Holcomb said, “[Schoolwork is]  not that hard; [I] just push [myself].”

“We love to hang out, and sometimes we love to eat; it’s so fun,” Holcomb says with a smile. 

In her free time, Holcomb spends time with her boyfriend, Rustin Lane, who she has been dating for around 2 years. She also enjoys makeup, specifically eyeshadow she buys at Sephora.

“We go to the movie theaters, and we like to go out to eat,” Holcomb said. “I love eyeshadow and any makeup that can go on eyes.”

Family is also an essential part of Holcomb’s life. She mentions her dad, who is Mexican, saying, “I’m Mexican like him.” Her family’s heritage plays an important role in her identity. Another favorite pastime is spending quality time with her little brother.

“I like to read, I like to paint, and I like to play with my brother,” Holcomb said.

Reflecting on her time at Flour Bluff High School, Holcomb is grateful for her experiences. Out of all of her teachers who have made a positive impact in her life, she noted Mrs. Torres, the American Sign Language Teacher.

“She is very sweet, she’s [a] blessing, and I am so happy to be her student,” Holcomb says. “[I] love being in her class, and the way she teaches her lessons.

Ms. Torres’s kindness has left a lasting impression on Holcomb, contributing to fond memories of high school.

As a parent, Saldaña said her daughter has changed her outlook on life.

“She loves being included in everything,” Saldaña said. “She’s always loved participating and being part of a team.“We haven’t talked much about independent living—YIKES!” she laughed, “but we’ve talked to her for years about her options and expectations. She’s got a lot of exciting decisions ahead of her.”

“Sometimes I clean the tables and organize the clothes,” Holcomb said about what she does at the Hornet Spirit Shop.

Though Holcomb’s path has included some unique challenges, Saldaña emphasized that the family has always focused on advocating for Olivia and putting her needs first.

“I found out during pregnancy through an amniocentesis that she had Down syndrome,” Saldaña recalled. “At the time I was surprised and unprepared, but I had a great community around me that helped and gave me resources—it made things much easier. 

When asked what she hopes Olivia’s story inspires in others, Saldaña didn’t hesitate:

“To keep including our children in every aspect that is possible. Everybody can gain from that.”

Olivia Holcomb’s journey through Flour Bluff ISD has been one of growth, joy, and inclusion. As she prepares for her next chapter, she carries with her the strength of her family, the support of her community, and the determination to turn her dreams into reality.

 Her time here has shaped her into the person she is today, and she looks toward the future; her sense of gratitude for the community she’s been a part of is evident.

As Holcomb prepares to close her chapter of high school, we wish her the best of luck in whatever comes next for her. Whether she continues her education or takes on a new adventure, one thing is for sure: Olivia Holcomb will carry the lessons and memories of Flour Bluff High School.

“I am very grateful for this school,” she says.