MacKerricker, Fort Bragg, CA / Photo Credit: Salvio Senerchia
As the year comes to an end, students reflect on their year and look forward to 2026. We asked students about their past year and 2026, now just around the corner:
Freshman Jeremy Rodriguez’s year has been filled with the trials and tribulations of learning to drive. He is proud of learning the perfect pressure to press the accelerator, and is working hard towards passing his test and getting his permit next year. Jeremy likes celebrating the turn of the year by watching fireworks and is most looking forward to being old enough to drive next year.
Jason de la Herran, also a 9th grader, shared memories and aspirations for himself and his soccer career: “My favorite memory of 2025 was my last-minute [goal] against Oakley in the tournament final. Something I’m proud of is getting closer to God.” He looks forward to 2026 and reflects on some challenges juggling club soccer in the past year: “What I look forward to the most next year is qualifying for MLS Flex. A goal I want to achieve next year is to bring the U16 Boys to the NPL [National Premier Leagues], and a challenge in the past year was playing with [Coach] Joe’s U19 [Boys] when I was in 8th grade.”
Rowland Eutsy, now in 10th grade, talked through the ups and downs of his year: “My favorite memory from this year is summer fishing with my friends.” He is looking forward to playing club soccer next year, but admits that it can also be a challenge. Rowland is proud of his personal growth in patience and of his placement on the Varsity Soccer team. He enjoys celebrating the new year surrounded by friends and family and is looking forward to even more growth.
Ivan Alvarez, also a Sophomore, spoke about his academic growth. He enjoyed going on school field trips in the past year, and is looking forward to different classes and more electives next year. A challenge for him has been staying on top of his work; however, Ivan says an accomplishment he is proud of is keeping good grades. He shared how he likes to end the year: “I like to celebrate the new year by setting goals for myself.”
10th Grader, Nishae Columbo, looks back on her year: “My favorite memories are probably making lots of new friends. I am proud that I have learned to manage my time better and have gotten better at driving.” Next year, she hopes to get her driver’s license and is looking forward to having more free periods. Nishae is hoping to travel for New Year’s and enjoy her vacation!
Citlalli Garcia, a Junior this year, shared her reflections and aspirations: “In 2025, my favorite memory was my quinceñera.” She spoke about personal goals she met this year and ones she hopes to meet next year: “A goal that I accomplished this year was having all A’s. Next year I want to pass my driver’s test, for sure.” While she managed to keep her grades good, she admitted that this was a challenge for her throughout the year. Next year, she is looking forward to her last year at the school, making sure she has good grades, and getting into a good college. She is proud of her progress in learning “to just be patient with everything, everything is going to be okay.”
Senior Adrian Attica, in responding to what his best memories from the year were, shared: “I would definitely say all the memories I have of my friends, mostly fishing.” He is looking forward to “building my career at CalFire” after graduation. He found it challenging to “get the effort to show up and do work” over the past year. To celebrate the new year, he enjoys staying up with his family and watching fireworks. Over the past year, he learned about stocks while managing to keep his grades up, a feat he looks back on with pride.
The new year is a chance to revisit goals and aspirations made a year ago, and to create new beginnings for the year ahead. So, no matter what challenges you faced, what goals you conquered, or how you celebrate the change of the year, 2026 represents a fresh start.
Enjoy the break and Happy Holidays!
Salvio Senerchia was born in Santa Rosa and has lived in Mendocino County his whole life. He is a Freshman and in his first year of Journalism. He has a deep care for the world, its imperfections and inequalities. Salvio loves all things soccer, and is interested in law. He is an avid Liverpool F.C. fan and hopes to visit the city and attend a match! He loves learning, especially History, Math, and any and all reading and writing. He enjoys writing about current and past events and conflicts. Salvio loves traveling, exploring the world and learning about the places he visits.