Anthony Flores

How has being a student at East changed you as a person?

Being a student at East High School is one of a kind. There’s always something great going on and      everyone always pushes to be great so it gives me that extra motivation to work harder.

What do you like about East?

What I like the most about East is everything from the students and staff it feels like a family. They’re that community that’s with you forever, the people here are just so diverse, but yet all great people.

How has this school year impacted you?

This school year is something different, it’s difficult but that’s what’s great about it. It really gave me time to figure out what I want in life and helped me find the good things.

If you could, what would you have done differently?

Personally the only thing I would change is preventing injuries for my sports and working harder in school.

What do you plan on doing after high school?

After high school I plan on going to college to become a firefighter.

What do you do on your free time? 

On my free time, I try to spend as much time with my family and friends like watching movies and playing games.

How has your season been. What do you want to accomplish if you haven’t?

This season I plan to be at the top of the podium. To earn a state title for my family and my team.

Demi Lane

How has being a student at East changed you as a person?

Being a student at East has changed me in a way that I feel more confident. The welcoming energy in the school allowed me to find my place and really grow. I was able to be unapologetically myself and through that I attracted more people into my life that I really cherish. I now carry that mentality everywhere I go.

What do you like about East?

What I really like about East is our community. It really jumped out to me when we were fighting to keep it open. Teachers, students, and alumni were all layered up in the cold for hours outside of the admin building, but we were all still laughing and having fun. We have a cool way of sticking together.

How has this school year impacted you? 

Being completely candid, this school year took a heavy toll on my mental health. It’s been heartbreaking to watch moments I’ve looked forward to like senior nights, crowds full for performances, being with friends, and having assemblies just disappear. I felt really low, and it was hard to motivate myself, but pushing through it all has helped me learn how to make the best out of tough situations and to be grateful for the moments I do get to experience.

If you could, what would you have done differently?

If I could go back and change anything, I would appreciate my fast paced lifestyle I had before the pandemic. I was going from school to the dance team and to the dance studio where I would be there until 9:30 p.m. at night. On some days I would wish I could have a break because I was tired despite the fact that I was having fun and making memories through it all. Not having it now, has made me realize how much I loved it and do miss it.

What do you plan on doing after high school?

I plan to attend CSU-P once I graduate and am excited to continue my dance career by pursuing the college dance team!

What do you do on your free time?

In my free time I love to choreograph dances and test out different styles of dance. I also have gotten back into something that I used to love doing when I was younger which is creative writing.

How has your season been. What do you want to accomplish if you haven’t?

My dance season definitely hasn’t been what I always hoped it would be, but I’m grateful for the moments I have had. Although I would have loved to do the normal assembly performances, have my last Cannon Game performance in front of the normal big crowds, and have a senior night. My biggest goal is just to finish strong. I’m the only four year senior left on the team and that fact means a lot to me. I’m happy for what I have been able to do and what I want most is to finish my last season strong and to know that I was the best teammate and co-captain I could have been.