Not every situation is predictable and most high school seniors hope to never find themselves at a new school to finish their high school career. Senior Asiah Edwards transferred from Hazelwood West to Central her senior year, but the legacy of the wildcat lives on through her, even in a different building,
Edwards started her senior year like most, involved to the highest degree, trying to make the most of the time left of high school. Being in Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, Track & Field, and AP classes, Edwards was doing it all. Choir specifically was one that brought her joy, she has been in choir since 8th grade and has found almost a second home in the choir classroom and stage.
“For me personally, it is a big struggle having to give up something that I am so passionate about, but I know there’s always going to be other opportunities. So it is sad that I am leaving, but I’m very glad someone else could take my spot and get that same experience I was gonna get.” Edwards, 12, said.
“I think I’ve always had the goal to not just to sing, but I have a passion for it. I come from a Church and singing family, so it does come naturally to me, and it is something I am happy to do.” Edwards, said
Since her junior year, Edwards has been on the Track & Field team. Her event that she participated in last year was the 400 Meter and the Long Jump. For Edwards, it wasn’t about being first place, or having high scores, it was about pushing herself to her full potential, the thrill of it, the friendships, the joy it brought. Being her first year in Track. Edwards may not have been the most senior athlete, but she was part of the glue that made the team worthwhile. She still wears her track uniform outside of school, the sport has become a part of her. Till this day she claims the “Once a wildcat, Always a Wildcat.” Hazelwood West’s School motto.
“I do love track. I love to run. I love exercise. I love the mindset it puts you in its a very fun hobby to do, I feel like the track team especially the past year I’ve been in track, they’re very welcoming, supportive and helpful, they’re not the type of people to laugh at you, they wouldn’t do something towards you that would make you wanna quit.” Edwards said.
While being involved in both Choir and running for Track & Field, Edwards took on the challenge of AP U.S History. Juggling all of her responsibilities comes with some overwhelm, but Edwards handles it with grace and makes sure she shows up her best in every activity, every time.
“In my opinion, AP classes are a bit different from regular classes, they require a lot more out of you, there’s a lot of writing and you do have to take an AP test at the end, so I mean it’s pretty cool.” Edwards said. “I would definitely recommend doing AP classes because it gets you really prepared for college, especially with the writing aspect, I would definitely take more if I could.”
While it is sad to see such a passionate senior leave West for another school this late in her career, she will continue to believe in being her best self no matter where she is. Even through a move, Edwards has taken ‘Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat’ to heart and has committed to going West choir concerts to support her friends and peers and other events she is invited to.
“They shouldn’t be making me move schools, I don’t think it’s right to move someone their senior year. Growing up in the West’s middle school and high school it saddens me. I do love this school, I love the people, I love the teachers and the community it brings. It is sad that I’m leaving, but I know it’s not the end, and I will be back.” Edwards said.
