Embedded Files
Rogelio Garcia "in his element" as a photographer for the yearbook staff photo. Photo by: Angela Going
For senior Rogelio Garcia, Flour Bluff High School has been more than just a place of learning—it has been home for as long as he can remember. From kickstart to senior year, Garcia has walked the halls of Flour Bluff ISD, building lifelong friendships, finding mentors, and embracing every opportunity that has come his way.
“I’ve actually been going here since kickstart, which I think is like right before pre-k,” Garcia said. “I’ve been living here my whole life, and I’ve been going here my whole life.”
The sense of community he has developed over the years is what makes Flour Bluff so special to him. Surrounded by teachers who genuinely care and friends who have been by his side since childhood, he feels deeply connected to the school.
“It feels like a big family,” Garcia said. “I’ve been growing up with all the teachers that have also moved up through the schools, some with their own kids. I’ve been going to school with the same group of people since I was really little, and that makes a really strong connection and bond with all the people I know.”
On the sidelines between plays, Garcia stays focused and in-the-zone with what is happening on the field. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
Garcia has spent his high school years balancing academics and extracurricular activities, participating in both football and Yearbook since his freshman year. As a defensive tackle for the Hornets, he found friendship and discipline on the field. In Yearbook, he developed a passion for photography and storytelling.
“In Yearbook, I am the equipment editor,” Garcia said. “I take care of cameras and equipment, check who checks out what, and I’m also responsible for reporting any damage to the teacher.”
Garcia stands with the Defense and Tackle group as they gather for the last photo of the season at the Alamodome Foodball field on December 7, 2024. Photo by Audreana Underbrink
Both football and Yearbook have played a significant role in shaping who he is today. Football taught him discipline—both physically and mentally—while Yearbook introduced the importance of time management and responsibility.
“Yearbook has definitely taught me how to sit down and actually manage my work,” Garcia said. “If you don’t do it yourself, it’s not going to get done, and you can’t just slack off. It actually matters.”
Among his favorite high school memories are the IPC Yearbook meetings, where he had the chance to meet students from across Texas who shared his passion for photography and journalism. He also fondly remembers the Flour Bluff football team’s playoff run during his senior year.
The whole playoff run was really fun and exciting,” Garcia said. “There were a bunch of ups and downs, but in the end, all of us really pulled it together. It was an amazing experience.”
In the classroom, Garcia enjoys learning about history, appreciating its relevance and importance.
“History is the easiest to learn, and it’s the most important to learn because history will repeat itself one day,” Garcia said.
Among the many teachers who have impacted his life, Mrs. Brandewie and Mrs. Navarro stands out as mentors who have supported him through the years.
“I see Mrs. Brandewie every day, and she helps me out every day,” Garcia said. “She’s helped me through a lot and relates to me. And Mrs. Navarro was always super chill and really helped me during my sophomore year.”
Outside of school, Garcia has a passion for photography, particularly capturing moments at local shows. He also hopes to return to his roots in mixed martial arts, specifically jiu-jitsu, which he practiced before joining football.
“I started jiu-jitsu when I was around eight,” Garcia said. “My mom kept me in it to stay fit, and it became like a whole other family. The group of people I trained with taught me so much, not just about martial arts but about life.”
Garcia’s plans after graduation are flexible, with multiple paths in mind. He aims to attend college, making the most of financial aid opportunities to further his education. As a first-generation high school graduate and soon-to-be college student, he takes immense pride in setting a new standard for his family.
“My mom and dad both didn’t graduate high school,” Garcia said. “So I’m going to be a first-generation college graduate. It’s a pretty big leap forward, but I feel like that’s what they set me up for.”
High school bathroom breaks are a staple, but the passes that teachers use can be so unique. Here Garcia poses with his favorite bathroom pass of all. Photo by: Rogelio Garcia
He is considering careers in electrical work, photography, journalism, and even the military, depending on how his opportunities unfold. His long-term dream, however, is to become a traveling wedding photographer, reaching the highest tier of professional photography.
“I really like capturing emotion and explaining the story behind a photo,” Garcia said. “There’s always something to take a picture of, and it’s much better to have a physical photo than just a memory in your head.”
Looking ahead, his primary goal is to provide for his family in the way they have always provided for him, whether emotionally or financially.
As Garcia prepares for the next chapter in his life, Senior Photos are on the to-do list. Photo by: Tiffany Garcia
“I just want to help my family, really,” Garcia said.
As he reflects on his high school experience, he hopes to be remembered for his kindness and positivity.
“I think it’s really important to have good first impressions but also last impressions because that’s how people will remember you,” Garcia said. “Being positive doesn’t hurt anybody at all.”
To underclassmen, his advice is simple: stay ahead in schoolwork and take advantage of the easier classes early on to enjoy a less stressful senior year.
“Seriously, take advantage of the easier classes early on,” Garcia said. “If you work harder now, you can have an easier time and more fun later on.”
If he could relive any moment from high school, it would be his sophomore year football practices with the upperclassmen linemen.
“I really enjoyed playing with them, and I really miss them,” Garcia said. “That was a really fun time.”
When asked to sum up his high school experience in three words, Garcia didn’t hesitate.
“Better than most,” he said. “I had a really good time in high school. Of course, it had its ups and downs, but I’m more of a glass-half-full kind of guy. I had more good experiences than bad ones.”
With his future wide open, Garcia is ready to take on the next chapter of his life, carrying with him the lessons he’s learned, the friendships he’s made, and the legacy of a student who always saw the bright side.
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