Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

For Catherine Yarrow, high school hasn’t just been a chapter—it’s been a transformation.

“High school has been some of the most challenging, insightful and enjoyable years of my life,” says the Memorial High School (MHS) senior. “I’ve gained values and perspectives that helped me build structure in my life.”

Like many seniors, Catherine says her final year has brought moments of reflection and clarity.

“The most meaningful memories have come from senior year—realizing how many 'lasts' there are,” she says. “The first day back after summer hit me hard. It was the last time I’d walk through those doors like that. That perspective made me realize how much I took for granted.”

But Catherine’s high school journey wasn’t always full of confidence. She vividly remembers being a nervous freshman, preoccupied with how others saw her.

“I was always worried about what people thought of me or about disappointing those around me,” she says. “Over time, I realized it wasn’t that deep. Self-love is so important. I started focusing on the things I enjoy, and everything else started falling into place.”

One turning point came during her sophomore year when Catherine joined Memorial’s broadcasting program. It reignited a passion she’d had since childhood—editing videos and telling stories.

“I didn’t understand the importance of grades or involvement my freshman year,” she says. “When I joined broadcasting, I finally found something I was passionate about. I got recognition for my work, and that pushed me to give more effort.”

That creative spark, combined with mentorship from her teacher, Mrs. Baker, helped Catherine grow.

“Mrs. Baker was more than a teacher—she was a mentor. She introduced me to a summer program where I won an award for editing and connected me to internships and sports production events. She gave me every opportunity to grow my skills.”

Now, Catherine is ready to take that passion to the next level. She’s headed to Auburn University in the fall to study sports production and journalism, with her sights set on a career in sports broadcasting.

“Ever since I was little, I loved making videos with my siblings and showing them to our parents. Seeing their reactions brought me so much joy,” she says. “Broadcasting at Memorial gave me real-world experience that showed me this is what I want to do.”

In addition to technical skills, Catherine says she developed something even more important—confidence. Presenting on the morning announcements and speaking in class helped her overcome her fear of public speaking.

“I used to be terrified of messing up. But being exposed to so many opportunities to speak publicly helped me push through that fear,” she says. “That’s something I know will serve me well in the future.”

Her high school years also taught her the value of personal boundaries and mental wellness.

“I learned it’s OK to put yourself first sometimes. Taking long walks, staying off my phone and creating space for reflection really improved my mental health. It helped me strengthen my relationships, too.”

Catherine’s advice for younger students is simple—but heartfelt: Be yourself.

“Don’t try to be someone you’re not. I used to think being different was scary, but now I see that staying true to yourself makes high school so much more meaningful,” she says. “These four years go fast—so take the opportunities, and don’t let fear hold you back.”

Catherine is quick to express her gratitude for the people who helped her along the way—starting with her parents.

“They’ve always emphasized the importance of working hard and doing what you love,” she says. “They encouraged me to try broadcasting and have been my biggest supporters.”

She also thanks Mrs. Baker for her mentorship, and Mr. Amarantos—Coach A—for inspiring her love of history.

“Coach A went above and beyond for every student. He made learning fun and meaningful. I’m so thankful to have had such a great mentor.”

Lastly, she credits her soccer and field hockey programs for instilling a strong work ethic and sense of teamwork.

“They taught me how to push myself and support those around me,” she says. “Those values will stay with me.”

As she prepares to graduate, Catherine reflects with pride on how far she’s come—from a nervous freshman to a confident young woman, ready to pursue her dreams.

“I’m excited for what’s next,” she says. “I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned and run with it.”

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