Students’ Summer Plans are Heating Up

As the sun sets over Watauga High School’s football field, students set their sights on summer adventures beyond the classroom. Photo Credits: Keatyn Wuest

Scarlett Rupp, Staff Writer to The Powderhorn

As the school year winds down and temperatures rise, students are gearing up for a summer full of adventure, growth, and hard work. Whether they’re traveling across the world, studying in a prestigious summer program, or training for the next sports season, students have big plans for the months ahead. 

For Kate Rex, the upcoming summer trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland offers a unique opportunity for both personal and educational growth. Rex’s excitement for the locations she’ll visit stems from a desire to experience history firsthand and deepen her understanding of the world.

“I think it will benefit my education because I will see other cultures and go to places that will inform me about the history of that city,” said Rex, sophomore. This exposure to different cultures will not only broaden her worldview but also enrich her studies of European history in high school.

For Rex, the adventure ahead isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s a journey toward self-reliance. The trip marks a significant personal milestone for Rex as she prepares to navigate the world without her parents. 

“This trip will help me grow as a person because it is my first trip without my parents, which will help me become more independent,” added Rex. 

Similarly, Elyse Rea is preparing for her summer travels, but her destination is Costa Rica. Rea is gearing up for a cultural immersion that will allow her to deepen her language skills and connect with her surroundings in a meaningful way.

“I prepared by researching the local culture and finding destinations that I wanted to learn more about,” explained Rea. “I also have been reviewing my Spanish to be able to communicate with people there.” 

With her language skills sharpened, Rea is eager to engage with local communities and experience Costa Rica’s rich culture firsthand. Her hope is that the trip will not only enhance her language abilities but also provide lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

“I hope to gain experiences that I will always remember and grow closer with my family,” shared Rea. 

The experiences ahead promise to be transformative as she immerses herself in new cultural perspectives.

For Varsity Soccer player Evan Mawhinney, summer isn't a break—it’s training season. He plans to spend his afternoons scrimmaging along with his teammates.

“It’s hard to stay motivated in the summer, but I know it’ll pay off when the season starts,” said Mawhinney. 

He hopes to improve his skills on and off the field with aims to become a more versatile player on the field.

“I’d really like to work on my weak foot so that I can be more unpredictable in one-on-one situations,” said Mawhinney. 

Though their plans are different, each student sees this summer as a time to grow. Whether traveling, learning, or training, one thing is clear—this summer is heating up with exciting possibilities, and all students are making the most of their time away from school. No matter how they spend it, this summer promises to be full of growth and memories that will last long after the season ends.