One step at a time
By Maxx Vega
My name is Maxx Vega, and I am just about to graduate from Vista Ridge High School in El Paso County School District 49.
I attended Banning Lewis Ranch Academy from K through fifth grade; Banning Lewis Preparatory for sixth grade. When COVID hit, I transitioned to Skyview Middle School for seventh and eighth grade and then to Vista Ridge High School.
My high school experience is quite expansive and touches on several areas. As a freshman, I entered Vista Ridge not knowing what to expect. In high school, my social interactions changed — more students, clubs, activities, etc. Because of this social change, I decided I would find a place for myself in school. That first year, I participated in what was known as Key Club as well as JV (junior varsity) Track and Field running as a sprinter. Initially, I found great community in the activities I was a part of.
It wasn’t until later in the year that I felt a little overwhelmed managing my extracurriculars in addition to my coursework, which included ENG 1021— a college class through my school’s concurrent enrollment program.
By the end of freshman year I switched from track to community flag football. In my sophomore year, I was still trying to find my place. Since Key Club had disbanded, I needed more activities. I ended up in Chess Club later in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, where I learned the different aspects of leadership, like what it looks like to be a servant leader (one who serves people instead of commanding), as I helped donate books to students at Twain Elementary School in School District 11. I also visited a memory care facility to have a cardboard gingerbread house decorating competition, and I had a station at my school’s craft fair, where we put together care packages for deployed family members in the military.
Looking back, I am grateful for these opportunities, exposing me to the impact I can have on my surrounding community.
Ending my sophomore year, I felt like I made up ground in finding my place in high school, especially in addition to becoming a member of Vista Ridge’s National Honor Society, and having been a part of the culinary program at Patriot High School. My junior year, I realized that it was my passion to be part of something larger than myself. I made many great friends in Student Council. My first year in Student Council reaffirmed my desire to be a contributor at large. I reapplied for Student Council in my senior year and became vice president. I also became a Student Board Representative on behalf of Vista Ridge High School. In that position, I attended District 49 board meetings and met the representatives from other high schools within my school district.
I was president of the National Honor Society in my senior year. As a member of Pack Peers, I helped freshmen transition into high school, and I was involved with the Chief Youth Advisory Council. With so many activities, I met many amazing people and learned to collaborate with peers.
As I graduate from high school and transition into yet another phase of my life, I am both excited and a bit anxious! While I know that many may struggle in knowing what it is they want to do, I want them to know that being engaged and maintaining awareness are vital in finding something you are passionate about. To that end, I am honored to say that I plan to go into the United States Navy, where I will be an Intelligence Specialist in pursuit of eventually becoming a Naval Officer, as an Intelligence Officer or a JAG — Judge Advocate General Officer.
I am highly interested in politics as well, So, as I look back at my high school experience, I will say that it was not traditional because I was part of so much. I think because of that I am glad to have seen so many areas of what makes my community special. I have many people I can thank, from friends and family to teachers and public officials.
I guess, if I had to credit my experience to any one thing, it would be to take that one step. I never knew that I could get so much out of my time in high school, both academically and socially, but that is truly because I put myself into those situations. In order to make the most of it, I learned that I am the catalyst for making that happen. I am proud of where I have been, and I will forever remain grateful for where I am now headed! To the Class of 2026: Congratulations!
Editor’s note: Maxx Vega is graduating from Vista Ridge High School and planning to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. The NFH asked School District 49 to find one graduate who would like to write an essay about his or her high school experiences, how they influenced their growth and their plans for the future. Matt Vega stepped up, as he has the past four years. Thank you, Matt, and congrats from the NFH!
