The SJHHS class of 2025 has their minds fixed on a daunting yet life changing moment: graduation.
Although this is a goal for all, some have flourishing plans focused on the intention of graduating early.
Whether for the pursuit of bigger things or a love for athletics, certain students have pushed themselves academically to earn their final credits and head to the next stage.
For students Ty Chaudhri and Weston Port, the benefits will shine in a rising business and religious devotion.
Committed to UCLA, Port has big dreams for football, but he will first travel to Madrid, Spain and complete his mission. He aims to finish high school in December to be properly prepared for both passions.
“I’m a linebacker and I am super excited to play in college. UCLA just switched to the Big 10 conference so it will be a great opportunity to play on a nationwide stage,” said Port.
Port balances sports as well as a schedule packed with his final class requirements. He is currently enrolled in two English periods, AP Lang and English 4, to complete the necessary credits needed for graduation.
“I grew up a Cowboys fan so being a linebacker for the Cowboys would be a dream come true. But I know football is going to end sometime so UCLA will help me go into other paths,” said Port.
Port is heading into his tenth season of the game. He and his teammates hold a strong dedication to football.
“It’s been more common with guys playing football to graduate early. Graduating early allows us to have the whole off-season to practice with the new team,” said Port.
A teammate of Port is set to graduate alongside him, though for a different purpose. Ty Chaudhri is another participant in the football program at SJHHS, but he is ending that chapter of his life to focus on a blossoming clothing business.
Chaudhri’s shop, Two Tone Apparel, is frequently featured at local farmer’s markets as well as on social media and his own website. Two Tone Apparel features various designs that have already gathered a significant audience and several customers.
“I started this year and sold out of my first drop. I hope it just takes off and this could be my life,” said Chaudhri.
As a football player, Chaudhri’s sports career has been a major influence on his brand. Beyond football, he particularly enjoys fashion and desires to make the perfect piece of workout clothing that promotes both interests.
“I’ve always been more into fashion and I just thought ‘why not make a brand that can represent what I believe in and what I stand for?’” said Chaudhri.
To take his company a step further, Chaudhri intends to graduate high school by December and attend UC Irvine in the spring.
Both early graduates will be celebrating, but neither will walk the stage alongside their friends in the fall. However, Port and Chaudhri have expressed that it is only a moment that will be over in seconds while their plans will determine the rest of their lives.
