Seniors Discuss Education, Future Challenges

Derek Roetzel, from left, from Har-Ber High School, Taylor Bradford from Shiloh Christian, Ryan Watson from Huntsville, and Brandy Herrera have been selected as Academic All-Stars.
Derek Roetzel, from left, from Har-Ber High School, Taylor Bradford from Shiloh Christian, Ryan Watson from Huntsville, and Brandy Herrera have been selected as Academic All-Stars.

Editor's Note: Brandy Herrera from Springdale High School, Taylor Bradford from Shiloh Christian School, Derek Roetzel from Springdale Har-Ber High School and Ryan Watson from Huntsville High School were named to Northwest Arkansas Newspaper's All-Academic Team. Team members were brought together and asked their opinions on issues pertinent to themselves and the future.

What do you think has been the most important part of your education?

Brandy Herrera, Springdale High School: Having my parents there to support and encourage and to push me farther. And my cross country coach who helped me transfer education on the field to the classroom.

Taylor Bradford, Shiloh Christian School: It would be parent support of my education. And the one on one with teachers.

Derek Roetzel, Springdale Har-Ber High School: Probably being in the (Environmental and Spatial Technology) program. It’s a good change to work with projects I’m passionate about. I’ve done $55,000 in grants in three years. It’s extended real skills and is a social group for me.

Ryan Watson, Huntsville High School: Probably being in the honors program for four straight years. I’ve been connected with the same people and formed friendships.

What do you think will be some of the biggest challenges for your generation?

Brandy: The economy for sure, and to find new reusable resources to replace oil. And, to find ways to make what’s been done by the previous generation better. The way the economy is running, improve upon it, not change it.

Taylor: I have to agree on the economy. We need leaders with panoramic vision. We need to learn how to conserve and find new ways to find resources.

Derek: One we have in front of us is coping with mass communication in the realm of social and special communication. It changes the way we think and do business. We have to change the way we do things. We’re interconnected more and more with communication through technology whatever we do.

Ryan: The environment, something we will have always. We need new alternatives, not perfected yet, and new cars. We need to preserve ideas to help the environment and people in economical ways.

How do you think your time in local schools has prepared you for that?

Brandy: It has shown me how important it is to be involved in the local community. Strengthening the community makes the world stronger.

Taylor: Through activities and leadership skills; to transfer a skill set over to make a difference no matter where I go.

Derek: The ability to adapt. There’s a sense of realism in education, especially in Advanced Placement. Students can really benefit. Har-Ber has done that for me. I’m a better learner.

Ryan: Mainly working in Advanced Placement or honors. Teachers have always pushed us forward for preparedness to work. I want to be an aerospace engineer and I’ve been to Science Bowl nationals for two years where I was able to see other people in the same profession.

What do you think the future holds for Northwest Arkansas?

Brandy: There will b a lot of positive change. I see that at Springdale High School, representing Springdale old and new. It works together.

Taylor: I see a lot of new growth. It’s a booming area and that will continue. A lot of people are staying here. They have ideas, new businesses. There is a lot of potential.

Derek: Growth. I think there will be huge growth, double digit in a lot of sectors. We have to cope with that growth. I have worked with homeless people. Respect helps build that person up. I’m ready to deal with those issues through my leadership in schools.

Ryan: Arkansas is still a rural economy, not hurt as much by the recession. Business will want to come here, bring more money to the state. The future, moneywise, is brighter here.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen at your high school?

Brandy: To take advantage of all the opportunities and push yourself to do the things you are afraid of. Facing your fears in high school will make you much stronger when you get to college and the real world. I couldn’t have done it without the law academy (a career academy within Springdale High School).

Taylor: Teachers are there to help. Take advantage of the teachers who are there. Try new things. Be passionate or strive for that.

Derek: Find something you are passionate about and dedicate yourself to that. There are so many opportunities. It should be something you are willing to give up weekends for. Also, take as many Advanced Placement or honors classes as you can. Colleges really want to see Advanced Placement or honors. And, make sure your math ends in calculus.

Ryan: The biggest advice is get involved in community as early as possible. I also agree about dedicating yourself to Advanced Placement classes. We only have eight Advanced Placement courses (at Huntsville High School) but the more you take, the more that could be offered.

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