It’s the first senior class for Del Norte High School.
They’re the first seniors to play varsity sports. The first to lead the cheers, play in the marching band, and act in the class plays. They’re the beginning of the legacy of the Nighthawks – the first to have a five-year reunion (and all the subsequent milestone reunions), the first to return for homecoming, and…the first to graduate.
Since it’s impossible to talk to all the members of the Del Norte Class of 2012, we asked DNHS Senior Class President Derek Magill and DNHS Associated Student Body President Austin Foxworth to reflect on their time at the school, their aspirations as seniors – and the special imprint they hope to leave at the campus.
Q&A with Senior Class President Derek Magill & Associated Student Body President Austin Foxworth
Derek Magill, DNHS Senior Class President
92127 Question: As a leader of the first senior class at Del Norte High School, what is the legacy you hope your class leaves the school?
Magill: I want to leave a legacy of individuality. I want each class after ours to have their own identity. Overbearing tradition can be stifling. I hope Del Norte will remain a place where the individuals create the tradition, not the other way around.
Foxworth: After growing with the school for over two successful years, I have envisioned a single dream for Del Norte. Considering that the senior class came to this school – leaving their previous, established high schools – I want to bring to light the influence that initiative possesses. We all came to Del Norte driven by a motive for change: A chance to utilize the latent potential within a school, only Del Norte could provide. Our initiative for change has turned into action and it has produced exceptional results. As seniors, we will continue to expand upon the momentum generated here and demonstrate just how effective innate drive and ambition are. This is my dream.
Austin Foxworth, DNHS ASB President
92127 Question: Are there any specific goals you have for the senior class during their final year at Del Norte?
Magill: The Senior Class is going to win the Homecoming Float competition.
Foxworth: I believe we have the opportunity to set a precedent not only for the rising classes of our school, but for the district we reside in as well. Being a new school, we have been given the chance to aspire to a reputation that embodies the qualities we choose. We will make certain they are qualities that are academically and socially constructive.
92127 Question: Can you describe the experience of opening the school and being among the first to graduate?
Magill: I feel like I’ve answered this question so much throughout my two years at Del Norte that it’s become almost second nature. It’s an experience unlike any other. People from different schools around the district, and people from outside of the district – such as myself – were brought together under one mascot. It created a unique mix of individuals. It has allowed us to grow close as a class in a way I could never have experienced at any other school.
Foxworth: To state that the experience was and will be anything short of euphoria, would be an understatement. With our principal, Mr. Mizel, at the forefront of our establishment, the opening of our school was beyond successful. The only experience that will surpass that milestone will be our graduation.
92127 Question: What is the best thing about being a member of the first senior class?
Magill: The opportunities. Since we are the first senior class, we’re entering new territory. We’ve had to create everything, and it’s opened up a world of opportunity for involvement that I couldn’t have gotten in an established tradition. It’s a great feeling, being the pioneers of a new tradition
Foxworth: Without a doubt, the energy, amity and companionship shared amongst our class. As I stated earlier, we all came here with a thirst to act upon possibilities. Because of this, we are unified, under one common goal, one aspiration, and one dream. That desire to quench our thirst from the cup of ambition has produced an environment in which we are beyond peers to one another, but rather proponents of one another. The environment we have constructed for ourselves is easily one of the best parts about attending Del Norte.
92127 Question: What is the biggest challenge about being a member of the first senior class?
Magill: I personally haven’t found it particularly challenging. I find joy in things many outsiders may consider challenging, such as the lack of programs, clubs, events, etc. – not because we don’t have as many, but because I’ve had the privilege of participating in their creation.
Foxworth: In every High School there are challenges that we must face, that is a given; but the challenges here at Del Norte are trivial in comparison. Yes, there are additional difficulties in being a member of the first graduating class, but there are countless endeavors that are being made to overcome these. More specifically, setting a standard that embodies qualities that can be followed by our other rising classes is a test of our abilities; however, it is possible, it is tangible and it will be done. In other words, we are setting a new, favorable precedent.
92127 Question: What words would you use to describe this first senior class at Del Norte (and why)?
Magill: Great people and a positive environment.
Foxworth: Words are not enough to describe the dynamic unity we have constructed for ourselves. That intrinsic desire for progress has unified us on a tier that is unheard of for individuals our age. The only appropriate way to experience the feeling to its entirety is to witness and be a part of it for one’s self. All in all, our senior class is just a great bunch of kids who are collectively, the most affable individuals I have encountered in my lifetime.
92127 Question: What noteworthy traditions has this first senior class given to Del Norte?
Magill: We’ve given Del Norte a tradition of individuality. We come from a mix of many different schools and many different traditions, and through that, our class has created something unlike any school in the district.
Foxworth: One of the most significant traditions we, as seniors, have given to Del Norte is the sense of unending pride. Due to the hard work we have put into our school, we have exemplified a feeling of great satisfaction in our efforts. It is a path that demands dedication and diligence, but we are committed to making Del Norte excel.
92127 Question: From a personal standpoint, what has been your favorite part or experience about attending Del Norte so far?
Magill: I’ve always believed the people are what make a place special. Del Norte would be just another high school to me if it weren’t for the unique bond I’ve formed with some of my classmates. They provide a sort of spiritual fuel: a motivation to strive for the impossible. An individual vision is great, but being able to share it with people who want it too, that’s beautiful. It’s those people that have made Del Norte such an amazing experience.
Foxworth: Candidly, my favorite part about attending Del Norte is the opportunity to do something new, creative and groundbreaking every day. Being a part of something that is constantly evolving is a mentally captivating and exciting experience in itself. Each day presents a new opportunity to stray away from the conventional mold of high school. “It’s already been done” does not exist and it’s a beautiful thought, knowing you can bring something innovative to the table every day. Our world is changing and it’s time our educational resources and technology in the learning environment evolves as well. Del Norte does an exceptional job and this is easily my favorite part about attending.
92127 Question: After graduation, what will you miss most about Del Norte?
Magill: The people, for the same reasons I noted earlier, though I think it’d be better to say I’ll miss them in that environment, Del Norte, because although that stage in life will be behind us – I know I’ll keep in contact with many of my classmates. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever known at Del Norte.
Foxworth: I will miss the bonds that I have made with all my classmates and the experiences we have shared. The school year (is only beginning) and already I am feeling a sense of nostalgia for the moments I have cherished with my friends and classmates. I believe the greatest thing that will be missed about Del Norte after graduation will be the friends, classmates and peers I have grown with.
NOTE: We will be publishing individual photos of incoming seniors soon.
