As the warm embrace of summer enveloped his neighborhood, senior Ricky Vila set out on an exploration with his closest friends. Having recently relocated to a new residence that brought him nearer to his companions, Carter Marshall and Jonathan Chu, Ricky wasted no time in diving headfirst into the great outdoors. The lake nestled within Ricky’s new neighborhood became their gathering spot. Here, amidst the tranquility of rippling waters and rustling trees, Ricky and his friends indulged in a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing became a ritual, with rods in hand and baited anticipation hanging in the air. On one fishing trip he took with his cousin they had a “…lucky” encounter with an alligator. They snagged the gator, “gave a fun fight and eventually…” the alligator snapped their line off, informed Ricky. Kayaking adventures added a splash of excitement to their days. Swimming became a way for them to cool off from the intense Florida heat.

For Ricky Vila and his friends, this summer was not just about touching grass; it was about forging bonds strengthened by shared experiences under the open sky. Ricky’s favorite thing about being outdoors “…is spending time with…” his friends, there’s nothing he values more than sharing jokes with them. As he approaches his senior year he’s excited to make the most out of his “…final year of high school.”