Every year, students who earn enough credit have the choice to either stay at Gilbert or return to their home school to graduate. A popular reason for returning to their home school might be to graduate with friends. Another reason is to make their family or parent happy. Whatever the reason or motivation, students make the transition during the end of quarter 2 and the beginning of quarter 3.
Recently I sat down with senior Adam Barcenas. He returned to Anaheim High School at the New Year, but after one week decided to return to Gilbert. Here’s his story.
Adam is a seventeen year old about to graduate who has been playing guitar for about four years. When he returned to Anaheim his motive was to be able to be with his friends and graduate there with them. As it turned out, he didn’t get assigned to any classes with his friends and never saw any of them.
When he reflected on his experience at Gilbert, he realized he liked it better here because he got to play guitar during music club meetings and after school. He was part of the music studio development team. In general, he realized he liked it better.
Adam loves to play electric guitar and tries to learn the specific parts to songs he likes. His favorite song is “Tus Ojos” by Los Fafres. He enjoys a variety music genres like indie rock, country, and pop. Guitar is not the only instrument he plays. Adam also plays drums and bass.
Adam specifically felt connected to the drum circles in Ms. Frese’s class. He said he was proud to be part of the experience in which students in the drum circle wrote a song together. Adam is also writing his own music, and is recording at his family member’s home studio.
Adam also returned to Gilbert to be part of the music studio, and hopes to lay down some tracks when it is ready.
Because Adam is a returning Gilbert Gladiator, he will be able to earn his diploma early. He expects to have all his requirements met by the end of third quarter. We hope Adam will attend the graduation ceremony in May, and also be part of the dedication celebration of the new music studio. Stay tuned.
