As I prepare to walk across the stage, it’s hitting me that this graduation will symbolize the end of an era. I am the last in our family to wear the royal blue and white. For years the HBR schools have been a second home to me and my family; it’s been a place where I’ve grown up, made memories, built friendships, competed, learned, and become the person I am today.
A big part of that growth and learning happened in the classroom, and I’m forever grateful for the teachers who patiently helped teach me to be a better writer, to use power tools without losing a finger, to cook something more than my famous fried egg or grilled cheese, to solve y= mx + b, and to drive a car. I am confident that all the late nights of homework, writing papers, and studying for exams has prepared me for my next chapter.
While my time in the classroom and participating in clubs provided a foundation for my high school experience, some of the most impactful moments stem from my involvement in athletics. I had the ability to play soccer, basketball, and baseball all four years, and even joined track my senior year because… why not? Early morning practices, soccer games under the lights, and playing in regional and sectional championships…I can definitely say sports were a huge part of my high school life and I enjoyed EVERY second of it! Not only did playing sports allow me to build relationships with my teammates and coaches, but sports also taught me discipline, determination, perseverance, and character. Competing in sports showed me what it means to be a leader. When selected as one of the captains in soccer, basketball, and baseball, I learned to model commitment, teamwork, and integrity. I will never forget highlights like winning regionals for soccer and basketball, conference championships, the annual summer ball overnight tournament, and the incredible opportunity to play the game I love in the Milwaukee Bucks stadium.
Of course, high school was not just about classes, sports, and activities. Some of the best memories came from the annual traditions that made HBR feel like home. I’ll always remember the first days, spirit days, Royal Rumble competitions, Prom, and of course the homecoming shenanigans that went viral on Instagram and national news when we were caught tee-peeing Mr. Viland’s house– “Guys?...Jacob?”. No matter where I end up next, I’ll always be proud to be a Hinckley Big Rock Royal.
-Luke Badal
My time at Hinckley Big Rock high school has been filled with so many great memories. Starting my freshmen year, I was greeted with familiar faces considering my brother was only two grades above me. I remember everyone was so welcoming and my teachers always found ways to make me laugh in the classroom. I remember during my freshman year, I had to do a project for one of my classes and I did it with my friend Jennifer Hanacek; and we had to make a commercial where we persuaded our audience to adopt a dog. We had to retake the video 20 times because we both could not contain our laughter… I still have all of the videos in my phone. During my freshman year I joined the volleyball team, dance team, and girls soccer team where I made so many new friendships and strengthened the ones I already had. Our soccer games were so cold yet we still had so much fun. I also loved going to the basketball games, baseball games, and boys soccer games; it was a great opportunity for me to become more active in my school along with a great way to show my school spirit. In addition, every dress up week we have had, I have loved so much. I remember Brynn Gawel told me my freshmen year that I needed to dress up because participation was cool, so I did. Another one of my favorite memories was going to see Hamlet and Much to do About Nothing for AP literature my senior year. I have loved all of my classes so much but AP literature and my Spanish classes have always brought me so much joy. Whether it’s anything from studying Shakespeare and Sylvia Plath to learning songs in Spanish like Chica Ideal by Chino and Nacho or getting to wear the big sombrero, I have always loved it. Additionally, all of the major events like homecoming, prom, leadership retreat, senior sunrise, and senior assassin have all contributed to me making so many memories. Getting to plan for dances always brought me joy because everyone would be talking about what dress they are going to get, how they are gonna do their hair or makeup. And then the day before and the day of those events were so positively chaotic, it was amazing.
All in all, growing up in such a tight knit community like Hinckley Big Rock I have learned to deeply value one another because we have all had such similar yet such different experiences. I have been shaped by my community because I have seen them step up when someone is in need whether it is big or small. I have always seen someone gladly lend a helping hand. And I have always been met with kindness and generosity. Starting from the earliest days in kindergarten, to spending my last few days as a student of Hinckley Big Rock high school I have always known that people believed in me because they have shown it through their teaching, through their words, and through their actions. Leaving HBR will definitely be sad but I know that I will be cheered on by my teachers, admin, and community throughout my next chapter of life.
-Evelyn Murphy
