Active and involved, in spite of COVID

While Imari Holmes started going to Armijo as a freshman, she does have a few regrets. “I’ve done quite a few things, but not enough,” she said. She played volleyball for three years, was a part of the African-American Empowerment Club, and attended many football and basketball games. “Once I leave, I will really miss the people here. I have created so many memories here,” said Holmes.

She might have been able to do even more if her sophomore year hadn’t been interrupted by COVID, leaving her and her classmates stuck in Distance Learning for nearly one and a half years. “Thankfully I got to come back this year and really make the best of it,” she said.

“My favorite memory off tops is all the school dances; there’s never been a time where I didn’t have fun!”

When she’s not at school, Holmes said that she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She looks up to her two older sisters, ages 29 and 34. “One of my sisters just graduated nursing school and the other one just went back to school for her teaching credential. I look up to them because I want to be as determined and as successful as they are,” she said.

Holmes intends to go to an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) where she plans to major in business and marketing. Her goal is to become an advertising manager. “I am really going to miss Armijo High School, but I am so excited to start my new journey in life,” she said.

To incoming freshmen, Holmes offered this advice: “Just know that all the people you walk into high school with you won’t be walking out with. Focus on yourself and your grades and you will get through high school just fine.”