Bella Duckworth, senior, said her best memory at Paola was definitely going to former English teacher Meg Keltner’s room every day during advisory.
“Hanging out with all of my friends, watching The Office, eating snacks; there were definitely so many fun times,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth said not having school for the rest of the year was heartbreaking for underclassmen but especially the seniors, after spring break, students looked forward to all the fun events including spring sports, prom, skip day and graduation.
“The thing I will miss the most about PHS is my teachers, I love every single one of them. I’m so glad that I got to experience time with them and grow relationships throughout my years,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth said her favorite learning experience was to make friends, a lot of friends because the more people who liked her, the faster she knew she would get out of the parking lot.
“One thing I regret in high school is not being a soccer manager senior year, I literally went to every game and if I was manager, I could have used it for scholarships. I really wish I was more involved in school doing more activities,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth said her class’s legacy was that they continued to do their best to continue their education and chug along to finish.
“We don’t let anything get in our way of reaching a goal we have been working toward for the last 12 years,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth plans to attend JCCC for two years to get her associates degree, transfer to KU to get her bachelors in science to then apply to medical school.
“I’ve always been fascinated with science and medicine ever since I was little. I couldn’t see myself going into a different line of work. All of my back-up plans are medically related, too,” Duckworth said.
Duckworth said if she had a chance to say something to the 2020 class, it would be even in all the chaos, they still made it.
“To all my fellow seniors, I wish you nothing but success in your futures. Remember all the hard work you do will eventually pay off,” Duckworth said.