Today we commence with our 2026 Senior Highlights series! Each post will feature our seniors individually: their plans for the future, a few of their answers to some Q&A, and a link to their Senior Project presentation.
Every spring, our high school seniors present their capstone Senior Projects with a professional presentation summarizing their work. Anyone who attends is sure to be impressed with their depth of thought, confidence, and poise. Be sure to check out some, or all, of these culminating projects! Our seniors have all joined the great conversation; let us witness and experience it alongside.
Karis Brandon
Favorite hobbies? I spend my time weaving, reading, and doing homework. I also like to talk to Aletheia and run track.
What advice do you have for incoming freshman? Just do the homework and everything else will become easy. Do the work and don’t stress.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To “be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves…do not now seek the answers” —Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
Senior Project: How to Learn a Second Language
Emile Griffith
After high school, Emile plans to attend a 4-year college to get a bachelor’s in liberal studies and also earn teaching credentials.
Favorite memory at SLOCA? The 8th-grade beginning of summer pool party.
What is one important skill everyone should have? Having the courage to say you need help.
Favorite hobbies? I enjoy reading, playing and cuddling with animals, sitting out in nature, going for (short) drives down the coast and listening to music.
Senior Project: Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Introduction
Lucas Guimaraes-Kiely
After high school, Lucas plans to attend Cuesta to get a culinary arts degree, then transfer over to Cal Poly to major in food science and minor in mathematics.
What do you love most about SLOCA? The House System! It’s one of the most creative elements SLOCA has to offer. Plus, you get to meet people who are a little different from who you’d normally hang out with.
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?? Being the inventor of a time machine to visit historical figures.
You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what is it? Unlimited bacon. It’s one of the tastiest creations and I would be snacking on it all day. Can never go wrong with bacon.
Senior Project: Food for Thought
Adrian Anastasia
After high school, Adrian plans to attend Pomona College (chirp chirp).
If you won 1 billion dollars in the lottery...I’d give half to nonprofits/use it to finance important infrastructure such as schools, roads, hospitals, etc. I’d use the other half to purchase a snazzy car, invest in the stock market, and buy as much rentable real estate as possible. Also, LEGOs and chocolate.
What is one important skill every person should have? Everyone should be able to carry on a conversation and look people in the eye. A little bit of respect and genuine kindness goes a long way!
What is your life’s theme song? “Wouldn’t it be Nice” – Beach Boys
Senior Project: Productive Conversations: The Art of Listening
Zeke Root
After high school, Zeke plans to pursue college or maybe a trade; he just wants to enjoy life.
Favorite hobbies? Make beats, make vlogs, play the piano.
Advice for incoming freshmen? Don’t be scared to talk to and be friends with the upperclassmen; we’re not mean, and we’ve got wisdom.
What show did you watch embarrassingly fast? Breaking Bad.
Senior Project: The Hero’s Journey: STAR WARS
Ava Bruntz
How long have you been at SLOCA? 9 years.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen? Go out for sports, you will make so many new connections, and it’s a great way to learn discipline.
You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life. What is it? Grilled cheese because it’s a life necessity.
Senior Project: Beef Tallow in Dermatology: An Effective Solution to Eczema
Joaquin Couch
After high school, Joaquin plans to attend university and enter the sports world.
What is your dream job? A sports beat writer/journalist or sports media personality for the National Football League.
What has been the highlight of your senior year? The winter immersive. I was in printmaking. My class was rad, and I got to hang with a lot of sick people.
Favorite hobbies? Surfing, skating, watching sports, and music, a lot of music.
Senior Project: Pathways to the Pros
Thank you, seniors! Stay tuned for more from the SLOCAHS Class of 2026 in our next post!
