Dear Mr. Vega,

I would like to thank you for being such an amazing teacher, for always being there for Bowie students, whether you know them or not. I remember that I was trying to get into your class since sophomore year but due to my busy schedule, I was never able to get into your class ’til this year. I honestly wasn’t that excited when I saw your class in my schedule due to the fact that I had been trying to get into yearbook class for two years, so I was really over it. But since the first day of class I really enjoyed the vibe of your classroom. The way you teach is really understandable (which is hard to find these days). After that I automatically knew your class would be one of my favorites.

I like you as a teacher not only because of the way you teach but because you’re really involved in other activities that have nothing to do with the yearbook. For example, this past Friday you were part of a cheerleading fundraiser, you took massive hits to the face with pies, but you were there the whole time laughing and smiling with no problem. You also try to go to all the games no matter the sport, which is rare for teachers. There’s teachers that barely get here on time and leave right away when the final bell rings. Not you though, you will stay at school the whole day if you have to. For example when it was “senior sunrise” you got here before the sun even came out and stayed here throughout the whole day for the varsity football game.

 Wish you the best with your future students, hopefully they’re not so hard on you.

Sincerely,

Adrian Hernandez

Jose Murillo

I need to say goodbye to my school, my home and my style of life. The years in Bowie were the best season of my life. I experienced a lot of

things and feel that I never knew. Even though this was not a party, I feltexcited to come to school and see my teachers, friend and people that I do not speak with them but see in class transition. I remember in my freshmen year I was excited to start school and meet new people, even I was not social and I did not know how to start a conversation with somebody. My first awesome decision was join in the basketball team, I never played basketball in all my life but I wanted new experiences, I put a lot of effort on that, I could see changes as I became mature. I met good friends that are still with me and others that are doing somethings most important. Every day I wake up at 5 am to take a bus and come to school. My experience was very comfortable. Every time that I listen Once a Bear, always a Bear, I felt like a family.

Andrea Avalos

Dear Bowie,

It’s hard to say goodbye to all the people I have met thanks to you. There is a lot i’m gonna miss about Bowie, and if I had to list them all, I would never finish. I will forever remember all the great memories I have made with my friends and school teachers, all the silly fights with my math teachers 7u7r (hey… if you’re reading this… I still hate fractions xdxd), the laughs we had with Mrs. Rivera xdxd, HOCO weeks were the best, but what I will most miss is the safety feeling I had every time I arrived at school. I don’t really want to say goodbye, rather a see you later because even though I will probably move out of town, i’m sure I will be back every so often just to check how things are rolling after I graduate.

There is a lot of things I need to thank you for, I have learned plenty of new things that I will forever treasure. I have made amazing friends that hopefully will last for as long as they can, and all of this wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the wonderful school that Bowie is.

There is a list of people I would like to thank for all their advice and support, but because there are so many, and I’m afraid I will forget someone, I’ll just generalize xd, starting with my friends that soon, I will have to say goodbye :’( My teachers that had to put up with me when I didn’t get what we were doing in class, the counselors that were always behind me making sure that I had everything in check, and all faculty and staff that made a small impact in my life.

There is a lot of things you can do in this school and i am proud to say that I am a Bowie Bear. To all newcomers, the only thing I can say about Bowie is to be yourself because this school is very accepting and kind with everyone.

Goodbye Bowie, I’ll hate the goodbye, but I won’t forget the good times <3.

#OnceABearAlwaysABear <3<3<3

Luis Vargas

Thank you Bowie for all the good memories that you gave me, and thanks to all my teachers. In the four years, they all teach me a lot of good things that I’m going to use in the future. Having my grades together was really hard because sometimes. I didn’t understood the classes and I would stay late trying to do my homework but all those late nights are paying off right now that I’m almost graduating. I’m making my mom proud and all my family because I’m not just graduating, I’m graduating in white, and that was really hard to accomplish because my senior class is very competitive but I did it. I also want to thank my mom for always being there for me and support me in everything. She always believe in me and I couldn’t let her down. Bowie has been the best part of my life because I made a lot of new friends. With my old and new friends, we created a group named Rivalz. In the group, we all support each other and we are always together in lunch. I think that we are the biggest group in school, and also, everyone knows who we all are. It’s sad that some of us are going to separate during the summer, but we would still keep in touch with each other.

Thanks for everything again Bowie I will never forget all the good memories that you gave me and I will always remember all my teachers.

Esmeralda Chavez

Dear Bowie,

I would like to thank you for all the memories I made here. The people I met, the friends I made, they are all unforgettable experiences. Starting off my freshman year afraid of what laid ahead of me was frightening, but now I’m glad my peers and I made it and I can’t wait for what comes next.

This school helped me grow as a person and find who I truly am. Regards of the academic achievements, I learned a lot of lessons that I’m thankful for. Far more than to teach me math and science, you helped me uncover my shell and reveal my true self. It’s simple, but after hard work and dedication, I can say I’m glad to receive a diploma. It wasn’t always a good time here. I encountered a lot of soul crushing experiences but they all shaped me to become a better person and to learn from my mistakes. 

To some of my past friendships, it didn’t go so well. You led me to believe that a friendship was one to last a lifetime but you removed the bond so suddenly and rapidly, it made me question if it had ever been there. It was so cruel of you to take someone so pure and caring and allow for them to make the poor decisions that continue to guide them down a less than ideal path.

High school shaped a lot of people and I’m glad to say that for me, it went well. So goodbye to this school, I can certainly say I will miss these days.

Patricia Vale

Bowie High School, thank you for the countless opportunities you have given me to exceed my own expectations. I remember being in the 8th grade, unsure of what path I was going to take the Fall of  2014, but with all the great feedback I got from family members, friends, ex-teachers, I chose you. Since the first day I stepped onto this campus, I never felt not welcomed. An appreciation to all my Freshman teachers who put up with me and my laziness, especially my Algebra 1 teacher, you the real MVP. Also to Coach Montanez and Martin, you gave me and other teammates  one of the best basketball seasons ever.

To my Sophomore year, I don’t remember you at all. That year was probably the most boring year that I experienced but I still appreciate everything you allowed me to do, like the Academic Decathlon, you expanded my horizons so much. From meeting new people, learning new material, and truly understanding what it means to work in a team. Thank you Ms. Frausto for that amazing opportunity.

Junior year, almost done. Easily one of the best years I had at this school. A little stressful but a lot more fun. Mr. Vega you’re honestly the GOAT for dealing with me, Serg, and Jay jay. We were probably your biggest headache, but hey, that basketball spread was bomb! And to my old friends, Lupe, Hector,  Kim, Carlos, Jay, and Bryan, you all were the reason why I enjoyed this year so much. All the crazy, dangerous, irresponsible memories I lived and all the “you shouldn’t care what they think” or “ screw it, just have fun” talks were because of you guys and I am truly grateful for that.

Senior year, I’m done. Wow, I can’t believe I’m finally here. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman, although I would NEVER relive my high school years again  it still saddens me to know that this is the end. This was the most confusing year of my life (I think). From applying to college, FAFSA, and scholarships, I got a tiny glimpse of what the real world would really be like, and in all honesty, I’m not ready. First shoutout goes to my lifelong best friend Alanna, without you I probably would’ve not passed lol. Last shoutout goes to one of the best thing that ever happened to me, Culinary Arts class. Mr. Puga, you are probably the best person ever, not teacher but person. You are so down to Earth, you’re funny, understanding, patient but moody all at the same time. I am so grateful for you, you opened my eyes so much. You taught me to try new things, to not be scared of what the future holds, but better yet to do my absolute best for whatever the future holds. Thank you for the countless hours of not just listening to me but my peers, the notes, the amount of money you spent on food for us, and the unconditional love you gave me. Thank you, and I promise I’ll make you proud. #Fantastic4forever. Lastly, thank you to EPISD for allowing me to transfer, administration, teachers, custodians, lunch ladies, and classmates for giving me the most memorable years of my life. I love you all with all my heart.

ONCE A BEAR ALWAYS A BEAR.  

Vianey Garcia

Before becoming a high schooler, I was very afraid of every single thing about Bowie. The fact that I was coming from a very different country, and that all my friends were studying in Mexico, and I couldn’t because of my U.S citizenship was really hard.

Since my first day at Bowie, all my insecurities came out to light more than any other moment of my life. Language and culture were totally different of what I was used to, and at first I thought that I didn’t belong here. First day of school was the hardest, having to deal with a weird schedule, a big school and my great-grandmother’s death. By that time I just wanted to go back to Mexico, even if I had to miss a school year. I just didn’t care, I simply wanted to go back home.

Little by little, Bowie began to be a comfortable place to be, and suddenly it became my second home . I remember complaining about having to cross the border everyday, about having to wake up early and even about studying in El Paso. I didn’t understand how important all those moments mean in my life ’til my senior year.

I didn’t realize how important Bowie was for me, and how much it helped me improve as a human being. I met many wonderful people that taught me a lot of things and not only about school. I take a look at myself, and I think about everything that has happened for the last three years. All the things I learned, all the classes I took, and how proud I am of being a Bowie bear.

At the beginning of my last semester, I would always be thinking about how much I wish I could stay. But now; I realized that is time to move on. I take with me the good times, and all the beautiful days at Bowie. I know there are new experiences waiting for me, but if I could I would honestly stay one more year, it seems that they went by so fast. I’m proud of graduating from here, even with all the criticism towards Bowie. I know that we’ll keep making history as we have made for the last 90 years. Hopefully, in the future at some point of my life I want to come back. Either as a teacher, or offering a scholarship or something, because I really think this is not the end for me at Bowie; this is just the beginning.

Mark Morales

Farewell to the school which inspired greatness in all of us and marked a special place in my heart. The spirit was felt every second and hour. I am thankful to be part of this year spreading happiness, seeing people grow and cherishing all the memories. See how the struggles that arises against us fall when the victory arose even higher, I learned a lot as I advanced and Bowie has been part of my growth. If I am thankful in one person, it would surely be Mr. Vega, because he put up with me and helped me understand photography to an extent. I will always remember the place I grew up and where I end the path which leads to a new path to be a better person. Like they say Once a Bear, Always a Bear, I will honor with distinction and use as motivation to be someone in life. Blue and white are what I will wear, and I will never forget those colors which made us be different from many other schools. They made you be known to many and eyes opened wide when they heard that name, and I will continue making that name and lifting it so high. I want to say farewell to all my friends and teachers who supported me and those who stick with me and saw my accomplishments as I improved and saw my flaws and helped me enhance on them.

I am done with high school. Now I am off to college to expand on my career. Well, it’s been a long 4 year with you guys, now I have to say goodbye and in life, you have to say goodbye to meet new people but not forget the people who made your life amazing.

Alexis Jackson

Dear Bowie,

I came to Bowie to get what I wanted in life: a place to feel safe, to be welcomed and to be academically challenged. I got to connect with people who I wouldn’t usually talk to. I also want to feel connected to the school and people. In the past school had never been a problem for me but after I turned 7 things went downhill for me. I started to not pay attention in class, if I was still the outgoing person before I turned 7 I probably would have made a lot more friends and not be mean to others.

When taught something new, I catch on pretty fast and finish work fast. Some people called me an overachiever, but I really don’t care what they said. I would like to thank you for being a place that I could come and be a place that I could spend time with friends. This has actually been kind of like second home to me.

Being a part of this school and being here for four years made me feel like I actually belonged somewhere. Even though my life is pretty crazy and freshmen year was hard for me and missed a lot of school. The only way to keep my grades up was to do things myself and not depend on anyone.

I had went through a really bad time and put up a wall but when I got on campus, that wall sometimes went down because I had friends here and didn’t want people to worry about me.

I just want to thank you again because with this place and the help of my teachers I would have been in a bad state of mind and be living my life wrong. This is goodbye for now.

Angel Chavez

To Bowie High School,

Thank you for all the great memories you have given me in these last four amazing years. I’ve had good and bad moments here at school, but i’ll always cherish the good moments as great memories from my teenage years. Thanks to you, I have met amazing people who would later on become great friends. These great friends, whom i refer to as Rivalz, have been through thick and thin these couple of years. When I’ve needed help from someone, Rivalz was always there for me to make me cheer up or make me have a little laugh. When I’m happy they are always there for me to support me and be in that moment to make it more memorizing. I had great friends coming in to here but every year I was just meeting more amazing people. In freshman year, I met one of my closest friends Josue Adame. In second year of high school, I met a trustworthy friend Isaac Castorena. In junior year, one of my friends who is always there for me, Julian Lopez. In my last year, I met Sofia Carreon, Leslie Fierro, and Gabriela Molina, who have made Rivalz a more special group. I had a lot of fun and good memories while being in the academy, like the internship I was put in. I met one of my favorite teacher, Mr. Ornelas who retired on my last year but he gave me an idea of how the business world works where i’m going to pursue my career. I would like to lastly thank all my friends for the great memories and I wish them the best in the future where we’ll more likely meet each other again.

I will always be proud to say Once a Bear Always a Bear

🐻💙

Kevin Nino

Hello, my name is Kevin Nino and I have been in the marching/concert band for the past four years. I want to thank everyone who supported me during these past 4 years, teachers that have helped me improve on my English, that has helped me also getting out of my comfort zone. I want to say thank you to everyone that has been there for me, these four years have been great. With some ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot, and this is what make me the person that I’m right now.

I will always remember the first moment that I stepped onto the school hallways, and I got lost. An amazing memory that I never going to forget, even now I still get lost on the hallways, now I will get lost again but this time it will be in UTEP’s hallways. After high school, I’m going to start on the summer program that is call UTEP Prep, that is going to help me out getting ready for my career in music. I want to study music, and I would also like to someday became a teacher or an assistant of band director, hopefully here at Bowie High School.

Thank you for the four more amazing years in high school, I would take memories that I never going to forget, and a special thanks to Ms. Torres (band director), and all the other teachers that help me through the four year. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

Yamile Soto

I never thought that I would end up in Bowie after I changed school in Middle School. Then, when I got told by my parents that I was attending Bowie for the second semester on freshman year, I got excited to see my friends again. Now, I will be graduating with my friends and from what I think is the best school in all EPISD, even with all the imperfections. I like that there is always pride and emotion between students and teachers. I thank my teachers and friends that helped me get to where I’m now, I have made lot of memories that I will always remember. I know that I will miss high school; once in college, things will be different but remembering all the good things that happened through high school will make me feel relieved and will help me to not give up. With the help of my teachers, I was able to decide what I wanted to do after high school, they gave me advices for different things and told me to ask myself what I wanted. This way, I decided to study Art Education.

Juan Mendez

It is time, seniors. It is hard to believe that it has finally come to an end. We are now on our own. We have finally made it through the four years that seemed to have lasted forever. You have made it through the drama that sure enough ended your life, the struggle of keeping up with those difficult classes, the late night study sessions, those irritating 5-page essays, all those early-morning practices, all the meetings and performances you attended, the strict dress code we endured; it is finally all over. We are all excited to leave this place to mark our independence and start all over.