Crossing state lines

By: Olivia Morris, Contributing Writer

While many seniors are staying close to home, four Centralia High School (CHS) students are heading out of state for college to take their next steps.

From new cities to new experiences, Addison Mabrey, Ava Page, Luke Sachs and Ava Ward take on the challenge to start fresh in a whole new place. Each of them is trading comfort for opportunity and they are excited for what is to come next. 

For Addison Mabrey, college means exploring a bigger world and going out of her comfort zone. She is heading to the University of Omaha Nebraska, to major in social work and psychology. “I am so excited to just be on my own. It will push me to restart and that is my goal, a fresh start,” Mabrey says. “This town isn’t everything! People need to get out and experience something new because you can always go back home.”

Meanwhile, Luke Sachs is heading south to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to major in physical therapy. Florida will not only bring him closer to the sunny beach, it will also bring him closer to his family. Sachs will be joined by his family as they plan on making the big move together. FAU has a highly respected physical therapy program and will let Sachs experience a brand new environment. 

Ava Ward is heading just across the river to McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. Although it isn’t extremely far from home, this big move still offers her the chance to grow in a brand new setting. Ward plans on majoring in Occupational Therapy and signed with McKendree University women’s wrestling team in order to continue her wrestling career even further. 

Ava Page on the other hand is headed up to Portland, Maine. Page plans on majoring in theater at the University of Southern Maine. “I’m definitely excited to get away and try new things,” Page says, “My biggest mental block has been the struggle of living differently than what is normal in Centralia. I’m nervous to be away from my sister Claire because she is my best friend and I don’t know what I would do without her.” Page hopes that this once in a lifetime experience will help her grow both as a student and in a field she has been passionate about for years. 

Though their destinations differ, all four seniors share one thing in common, the courage to leave behind what they know best in search of something greater. As they say their goodbyes, they carry not only the memories of living in Centralia, but also the big dreams of their future.