Suwannee Valley Grad Scene 2020 | Page 31

Koch ready to start military career by Delores Walker Alexis Koch will celebrate her 18th birthday shortly before she heads to the Induction Center in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 14, 2020, for her flight to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to begin basic training with the Army. It’s the next step in a military career that she has planned for some time and she leaves her hometown of Mayo with the approval of her parents, Kevin and Sara, and with excited anticipation for what lies ahead for her. “I love to travel, and I want to go to college, so it’s the best of both worlds for me at no cost except my time,” Koch said. Koch began kindergarten in Mayo and is proud to be a part of the LHS Class of 2020. She is disappointed that her senior year activities were cut short, especially her last year of softball, but said it’s time to move forward and you can’t do that by looking back. She credits LHS teacher Renee Revels, who mentored her to always take time to help others in preparing her to exchange the security of small-town living for places far away. “It will be a culture shock, but I’m ready,” Koch said. Posada chasing dream after graduation by Delores Walker Lafayette High School senior Brian Posada has a dream. For years his parents, Hector and Vicky have talked about owning a restaurant. His parent’s desire has led him to pursue a real estate license after graduation so he can find an appropriate building for his parent’s restaurant. But, that’s not the only dream Posada has; a serious sports injury (soccer/track) sidelined him for most of his senior year. After months of weekly therapy where he has benefitted from their expertise, Posada has his eye on going to school to get a degree in physical therapy, too. The duel career is not daunting to him. He participated in co/op by running a home-business detailing trucks and cars in Mayo. “I’m still learning, but I’m ready to branch out and see where the next phase takes me, might be Gainesville,” he said. Having spent 13 years with his classmates the change from Mayo to Gainesville will be a challenge, but he gives LHS coach Mark Beach a lot of credit for his positive outlook on life. “Coach Beach was always there for me, always making sure I made the right decisions in life to help me succeed,” Posada said. 2020 | Suwannee Valley Grad Scene 31