Editor’s Note: Erin Boss of Fayetteville High School, Isaac Foster of Haas Hall Academy and Clint Usrey of Huntsville High School were named to NWA Media’s All-Academic Team 2012 based on nominations from school officials. Team members were asked their opinions on issues pertinent to themselves and their future.
What do you think will be some of the biggest challenges for your generation?
Erin Boss,: The biggest issue is finding a leader for a new movement for the challenges. No one wants to work together. Their thinking is behind the times. No one wants to compromise. The economy is definitely not doing very well. Social issues need to be dealt with, such as GLBT equality, gender equality. I am pro-choice. We need to find someone to unite an entire country. This person has to be a world citizen.
Isaac Foster: There is a loss of individualism and creativity. We need to get ideas developed and make sure people aren’t using something like an iPhone because it’s a new thing but to figure out how to use it differently or more effectively. I am talking about any specific technology, not just a phone.
Clint Usrey: The economy is awful. We need to fix it somehow.
How do you think your school has prepared you for those challenges?
Boss: There is an incredible number of activities at Fayetteville High School that I have seen evolve. We have a literary magazine and newspaper where students can express themselves. Fayetteville High School as a whole is interesting because Fayetteville is so diverse. It makes an eclectic and healthy mix.
Foster: I have a really good art teacher who has helped me develop my style, my creative aspect. There are several other teachers who are photographers and artists who have been so helpful to me.
Usrey: I have met a lot of people from different economic levels to see how the economy affects different people.
What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
Boss: You have an incredible ride coming before you. You may doubt its worth at the time. But it’s a really amazing feeling to look on your last day of school.
Foster: Stay focused on school. Branch out and do other things, but try for good grades to get good scholarships.
Usrey: Don’t ride lawn mowers to school and don’t mess with Mr. Gray, the principal. (Editor’s note: The comment is in reference to a group of seniors who rode lawn mowers to school to raise awareness of their fundraising campaign for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. They were handed a two-day, out-of-school suspension.)
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Boss: I hope that I am still learning. I have every intention to go to graduate school. I am interested in history, politics and journalism.
Foster: Graduated from architecture school with a master’s degree and starting my own firm, maybe in Seattle. I have never been there, but I like the idea of it.
Usrey: On the moon? There is no space shuttle so that won’t work. I don’t know. There’s uncertainty.
What three words would you use to describe your high school experiences?
Boss: Eye-opening, fast, wonderful.
Foster: Indefinite explosive growth.
Usrey: It’s been fun.