After 13 years, the class of 2026’s public school experience is slowly drawing to an end and moving on to the next steps. Whether they’ll be attending a four-year college, university, trade school or begining a career, these seniors have made an impact at Omaha South High.
Seniors Hugo Hernandez-Lara, Aliyah Hernandez, Yenedith Cubilla, Camila Martinez Gutierrez, Oscar Llamas Vaca, Jazlynne Cardenaz and Gabriela Del-Cid reflect on their high school experience.
To future South High graduates, what is one piece of advice you would give them?
Martinez Gutierrez: Do not procrastinate and don’t let your work stack up because it could cause problems. It’s a mistake I made at first.
Hernandez: Get out of your comfort zone and join clubs that interest you because it will lead to meeting new people. Enjoy every day like it’s your last.
Hernandez-Lara: The less you care, the more you live.
Del-Cid: Try new things, and try ending the year strong. Also, enjoy your senior year.
What is your favorite memory of high school?
Cubilla: Anytime I was in (Jennifer) Sudduth’s AP World History class my junior year. I had some great friends in her class that made it fun.
Llamas Vaca: Meeting new people throughout different schools and building bonds.
Hernandez-Lara: Winning in the state semifinals against South Sioux City. The feeling of knowing we had already secured a state championship medal, first or second place, and the fireworks topped off the moment. It felt like a movie.
Del-Cid: My favorite memory is going to Chicago with the Grassroots Leadership Program. I was able to meet a lot of people and explore new places.
Are you proud of your high school career, or would you change something about it?
Cardenaz: I am proud of my high school career. I’m glad I got out of my comfort zone, which led me to joining clubs and meeting different people. I wouldn’t change anything.
Llamas: Not really. I wish I could’ve taken school more seriously and locked in.
Hernandez: Yes, but I wish I could’ve gotten involved sooner and gotten out of my comfort zone earlier.
Hernandez-Lara: Yes, but I wish I would’ve joined the NCPA (National College Preparatory Academy). Other than that, I’m proud of what I have completed and the connections I’ve made; it’s priceless.
What is the biggest lesson you learned here at South High?
Martinez: Get out of your comfort zone because you will regret not doing things.
Cardenaz: Advocate for yourself and stay on top of work. Communicate with teachers and use your resources.
Cubilla: Surround yourself with good people and stay focused no matter the challenge.
Hernandez-Lara: Enjoy the little moments because you never know how much time you have with someone.
