The modern high school experience is an experience, to say the least. Whether you spend your time focusing on being the best student you can be or making the most out of the last few moments of childhood left, we all experience high school differently. And one thing has stayed the same, the opportunity to grow and achieve alongside your peers. For senior Erika Arthur, her time at school was about being a model student athlete.

“If I had to choose the highlight of my high school experience it was definitely being on the track team all four years [of high school],” Arthur said. “Making the best memories with my teammates and coaches. My proudest [moment] was when I became a team captain and getting to travel to the state meet this year with the team.” 

Arthur has been training since she was a freshman to be a better athlete. In her four years of running both cross country as well as track and field, Arthur has attended 25 cross country meets and over 27 meets for track. Her specialty is distance and endurance running and the hurdles for her track events. She recently helped her track team become region champions. 

“My favorite event would have to be hurdles,” Arthur said. “I love the competitiveness in the sport and it pushes me to be the best athlete that I can be. My personal favorite achievement from track would have to be getting a new [personal record] for distance and placing top 3 in my events.”

With a promising future, Arthur plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University and major in photography and media. She also plans to continue her track career in college as well, possibly joining a sorority of her choosing. Arthur leaves high school with few regrets and said she feels that her experience here will always be memorable and worthwhile.

“My high school experience was quite a rollercoaster,” Arthur said. “I had really good days and really bad days. My advice is to make as many friends and memories as you can because it will be over before you know it. If I had a chance do one thing differently it would be living in the moment and appreciating what I have a little bit more.”