Penelope Branch
Senior Spotlight
Sheira Capol, Staff WriterNovember 6, 2024
Senior Penelope Branch embraces her last year of high school. Throughout her experiences, she has been involved in numerous extracurriculars, such as being a member of the Stingline Drill Team for two years, and the Varsity Treble Choir for all four years. These activities have not only brought her enjoyment, but also expanded her passions.
"Staying in these activities for so long has deepened my love for dance and music, shaping who I am today,” Branch said.
On the field, Branch shines with her smile and dedicates most of her time to Stingline. Her commitment to the team is evident in every performance, where she brings energy and enthusiasm that inspires her teammates. Whether it's a practice session or a big game, she says it is important for her to give her best in order to contribute to the team's successes.
"My favorite memories revolve around the away games with my Stingline team. These trips provided opportunities to bond and form close friendships, ultimately leading me to become best friends with my teammates,” Branch said.
According to Branch, her biggest inspiration is her dad. After her mom passed away, she says he has been her rock, always supporting her and prioritizing her dreams.
"He has always been there for me, making sure I have everything I need to succeed. I couldn't have asked for a better role model,” Branch said, expressing immense gratitude in having him as her father.
To balance her academics and extracurriculars, Branch stays on task by completing her homework in a very specific routine. One that she says has been effective for quite some time.
"I make sure to get my homework done right away. It's the only way I can manage everything without feeling overwhelmed," Branch said. “If I lie down first, I know I won’t want to get back up and do it.”
In her free time, Branch says she enjoys dancing, singing, listening to music, playing video games, and shopping. Her favorite game is "Dress to Impress" on Roblox, allowing her to engage her inner-self.
"When I'm not busy with school or extracurriculars, you can usually find me on Roblox,” Branch said.
After graduation, Branch plans to move to Austin with her friend Natalie Roshto and attend Austin Community College for the first two years. Branch then hopes to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with the goal of becoming a first-grade teacher.
"I've always wanted to be a teacher, and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life. Moving to Austin with Natalie will make the change even more exciting,” Branch said.
Her journey highlights her dedication and personal growth throughout her high school years at Flour Bluff. She hopes her story will inspire other younger students to follow their dreams. Branch’s exposure to many opportunities have shaped her into who she is today!
"Thank you to the Flour Bluff Dance Team and Varsity Treble Choir for the unforgettable experiences and the family that I can call: my second home." - Penelope Branch, Class of 2025