On Thursday, May 24, eight Island Christian School seniors will receive their diplomas, flip their tassels, and begin the next chapter of their young lives. In honor of their accomplishments the Keys Weekly has highlighted the graduating seniors. Good luck, class of 2018!
JESUS LOPEZ
A member of the football team’s offensive line, Lopez’s favorite memories are “with the boys on the football field.” Both a student and employee, Lopez works for his parents at the family business, Islamorada’s Tower of Pizza. His five-year plan is to open more pizzerias. His 10-year plan is to franchise the very same pizzerias. Lopez credits Mr. Resillez with best preparing him for the future due to his solid financial advice. Lopez’s advice for the next generation of Island Christian students: “Smile and enjoy it as you go.” Lopez is graduating as the class treasurer.
JOEL HIDALGO
Hidalgo is happy to be graduating but admits part of him wants to stay in high school with his friends. His toughest class was math, but thankfully, some of his classmates helped along the way. His favorite teacher is Mr. Resillez, who Hidalgo said is open, helps a lot, and is there for you if you need him. His favorite memories in high school are going to basketball and baseball games, and the senior trip to Ecuador. His future plans are to go to Miami Dade College to be a mechanical engineer or psychologist and later attend University of the Supernatural Ministry to spread the word of God. In five years Hidalgo sees himself in college; in 10, he hopes to be a minister traveling the world.
ADAM DUDLEY
Class president Adam Dudley is also the class chaplain, an Interact Club member, and member of the school’s varsity football, basketball and baseball teams. His favorite memory from his athletic career is catching the winning touchdown pass against Redlands Christian to win runner-up at district competition. Dudley’s future plans are to attend Florida SouthWestern in Fort Myers and study to become a trauma nurse. His advice for underclassmen is to “make friends and have someone you can always come and talk to because high school life is pretty crazy sometimes. Also the more friends you get, the more free food you can get.”
ALYSSA BELL
As vice president of the school’s Interact Club for the past two years, Bell and her classmates have been working to raise money locally and globally for vaccinations. Her favorite memories from high school are every time the school beat Princeton Christian and being sent to the corner by Mr. Resillez. Her toughest class was Latin. Her future plans are to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall. Bell said she wants to focus on something STEM-related. In five years she hopes to have no student loan debt and the complete Harry Potter replica wand collection. In 10 years she wants to hold down a job that brings stability and happiness.
CAMRYN NORMAN
Norman said she is prepared for whatever’s next — as long as it doesn’t include chemistry or geometry. What she is ready for, however, is finding her voice in her writing. Her favorite teacher, Ms. Yost, has helped Norman master the art of research papers. An enthusiast of creative writing, Norman said Yost has given her the liberty and encouragement to explore her writing both in and out of the classroom. Her fondest memory is laughing hysterically in class, while Yost playfully called her and other students “hose heads.” Norman’s future plans are to move up to Orlando in November and apply to community colleges in the area. She wants to study psychiatric nursing.
MARCUS GALLEN
Some of Gallen’s favorite memories happened on the baseball field and wrestling mat. As Island Christian baseball team’s catcher, his fondest memory is when the team kept pace against a tough Miami Christian opponent. Though they fell short, the team fought hard, said Gallen. His future plans include going to Santa Fe community college to obtain his certificate in paramedics and associate’s degree in EMS. He’s eyeing Orlando as a potential landing spot. “If you have a career that you want to have, start early,” said Gallen. In five years he sees himself as an EMS captain at a fire department. In 10 years, Gallen hopes to married with children, and a pit bull.
SARAH MAKEPEACE
Makepeace founded the school’s PETSAA organization two years ago. “I wanted a club that was focused on service and something that I’m passionate about like animal adoption. I have volunteered at the animal shelter since I was two.” Makepeace said her favorite teacher was Ms. Young, for her guidance in developing her art portfolio. Her future plans are to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is undecided on a major but is excited to take art classes in college to master her own style and incorporate it into her profession. In five years, Makepeace said, she hopes to be starting a career that is both rewarding and beneficial to others. In 10 years she’d like to be married with cats.
JOY RUSSELL
The school’s Interact Club President for two years, Russell has participated in many service-based initiatives throughout the years like cleanups, fundraisers, and making care packages for the class’ senior trip to Ecuador. Russell’s favorite memory is playing center on the basketball team and winning district. Her future plans are attending Palm Beach Atlantic to study nursing. In five years she hopes to be graduated, working a good job, and establishing herself, and by 10 years own her home. “I might get emotional in a day or two, but for now I’m just ready,” said Russell of graduating. Her parting advice to her classmates is, “always try to have a positive attitude.”
