Judges, Senior Project Board

First Colonial High School

1272 Mill Dam Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454

Dear Judges:
In October of 2015, I walked into the Virginia Beach Convention Center for the Virginia Beach
City Public School Academy Night with the intention of becoming an Ocean Lakes High School
Dolphin and being a part of the Math and Science Academy. However, on that night, a student
handed me a flyer about the Legal Studies Academy and told me a synopsis of First Colonial
High School and the program it offered the Legal Studies Academy. I never intended on applying
for the Legal Studies Academy but my parents told me it would be wise for me to apply. This
was the million dollar advice I received, and have to say it was worth more than all the money in
the world.

When I received the news I was waitlisted for both academies and decided to appeal both
decisions one week later, I was offered a seat in the Legal Studies Academy. I was hesitant to
accept, but again with the advice of my parents and family, I accepted. I never was accepted into
the Math and Science Academy; however, I am proud to be a First Colonial High School Patriot
and be a part of the best academy on the beach.

Over the last four years, I have met so many outstanding people who have become my lifelong
friends including my best friend Sidony Gatchell, who was the first person I met at LSA
Orientation, Ethan Firoved, Lindsey Branch, Sammi Faro, Grace Bozeman, Gaia Giudice, Sam
Casper, Antonio Quorzi, Zion Pruden and some many other great friends. I have also met so
many wonderful teachers who have changed my life including Mr. Knoche, Mr. Pratt, Mrs.
Shoemake, Mrs. Disher, Mr. Hodges, and many others. I’ve had the opportunity to play football
for a future Virginia High School League Hall of Fame Football Coach Scarborough, Coach
Brown, Coach LB, and Coach Ty and run track for a future Virginia High School League Hall of
Fame Track Coach Hines.

For my senior project, I decided to explore space exploration since I have had an interest in
space since I've been three after being advised not to pursue my original topic of immigration.
Space has always been a topic that all people in the world have had an interest in, and I was so
happy to be able to share a piece of this during my senior project event. This project has been
the gift tree that keeps on giving. I had the opportunity to learn so much and grown in all aspects
as a person. I had the ability to write about what I learned and share it with others with my senior
project event. This year I was one of the only few students to be able to host their event, and for
my event I had two NASA engineers speak and hosted a planetarium show. During the show our
guest had the opportunity to learn about constellations and the creation of our universe.
Although I never went to Ocean Lakes, I would never trade the world for the experiences and
people who I have met at First Colonial. First Colonial will forever be my home, and I will be
sure to visit the school regularly.

Thank you for taking the time to look through my senior project website. I hope you stay safe
during these unusual times we are in and wish you a good day!

Sincerely,
Luke Cabon