Special Sections

tain his plan would work to win him the state championship, getting to that point wasn't always so certain. Similar to everyone else in the world, the pandemic presented him with an unexpected key change in his life plan. He still worked his way up to the head drum major position, like he had planned. However, life was on pause for many aspects of life. In addition to distance learning, the band did not have a marching, pa- rade or football season to perform. McCoy ultimately got to lead the band for one football game once sports resumed in the spring. He had another chance to conduct the band recently when the school raised the progress flag in honor of Harvey Milk, but those are the only two times he stood in front of the band during his drum major career. "The pandemic took away all his dreams," Latham said. "He never got a chance to do the normal drum major stuff, but he has had a phe- nomenal attitude and he has helped me keep the kids in band motivated and encouraged." Latham, said McCoy, has been a huge help around her band room this year, both in person and virtually, as the band has only had around 15 rehearsals in-person since schools around the county transitioned to hybrid learning. McCoy was constantly looking for ways he could help improve the band and lead the younger musi- cians by example, she said. McCoy took the hand he was dealt in stride. Instead of glooming over the lost opportuni- ties, he made the most of his situation. "Something that's kind of surprised me a little is I haven't felt so much disappointment as appreciative of what I have," he said. "I felt really grateful to even have that one chance to be in front of the band. Having that and having that little bit of normalcy, I was really grateful to have that." However, the op- portunities McCoy lost due to COVID-19 have presented themselves to him again in his future. He plans to go to San Jose State University to study music. He wants to immerse himself in the culture and tradition of the Spartan band before he vies for a leadership position. Opportunities with his alma mater will also present themselves to him during the next school year. The SCHS band has agreed to invite McCoy back to conduct the band for the 50th Santa Cruz Band Review, a march- ing band competition hosted by the high school. When a school hosts a competition, the host school does not com- pete, which presents the perfect opportunity for McCoy to conduct in front of his band. The band has even discussed the possibility of inviting graduating seniors back for the competition in order to give them their final performance with their peers. "I'm really grateful that they agreed it'd be good for me to do that," McCoy said. "It's pretty cool being able to have the opportunity to do that, to get to lead the band for that one time." CONGRATULATIONS GATEWAY CLASS OF 2021 Gateway's Class of 2021 graduates are going on to the following high schools: Georgiana Bruce Kirby School, Harbor High School, Santa Cruz High School, Scotts Valley High School C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S CLASS OF 2021 Liwei Sonya Eddie Abel Lola Michelle Cassidy Isabella Katie Annika Tiago Gus Anika Meera Sahar Chase Jinxi Kimy Callum Theo Fiona Alex Mark Misia Charlie Jerry Kevin Anton Valeria Hayes Anissa Michael Shai Derek Kate Lila-Rose Carolina helle Lila-R Car ...from page 2 WE LOVE OUR 8TH GRADE GSCS RAMS! Your existence has brought profound joy to so many, and we know you do more than just exist. Your power, conviction, and humor are just a handful of what makes us so proud of you, baby doll! Olive juice. Love, Mom, Dad, Wyatt, Hayden, and Ace THE WORLD IS WAITING, MORGAN.

• Cover