Mason Willyard (‘24) has been accepted to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, UCCS. This is a preferable college because of it’s perfect balance: distance from home yet close enough to visit family.

With a recent interest in economics and real estate, Mason would like to study business. He has a few mentors in real estate where he has taken inspiration for his career.

Though a true passion of Masons is basketball, on that account, his prime goal is to further his athletic career and play overseas. As of now, he is not fully committed to UCCS in case he gains the opportunity to play basketball.

There is a long history of Mason and basketball, as he has been playing since the first grade. Mason has worked his way up with dedication and practice from his freshman year being on the C-team to Varsity his junior and senior year. Along the way, he has won a few awards and championships.

In Mason’s high school experience, he has cherished his friendships and the memories beside them. Especially because Mason views high school friendships as very different from the outside world.

In high school, Ms. Harris, Coach Ward, and Coach Reese have had a positive impact on Mason’s life. “[They’ve] helped me realize there’s more to life than just school. Like getting to enjoy your outside life, too. But you have to have discipline, and you still have responsibilities to stay organized.”

Mason has learned other valuable takeaways from high school, such as getting out of his comfort zone.

“I’ve learned to grow out more and interact with different people.”

He’s also learned “Don’t be afraid of the experiences that happened in high school. Don’t be afraid of getting embarrassed. Because that fear will keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

We hope Mason continues to explore his passions and achieve his dreams!