As the days until graduation begin to countdown, seniors Justin Mbanefo and Naji El-eraby are coming to terms with the fact that they have reached the end of their high school careers. And a great one it was. These seniors have filled these four years they have spent at Blaine High School productively. Both being involved in countless activities and taking the limelight as future leaders.

“Knowing that high school is over I feel relieved and ready to move on to the next series of challenges that life has to offer.” says Mbanefo. When asked how he feels that high school is officially over, El-eraby says “[I feel] very excited but I would be lying if i said that I wasnt nervous. I am looking forward to start over in college, make a ton new friends and moving on with my life.”

Mbanefo played for the BHS Basketball team since his freshman year and says, “I began playing basketball in 6th grade. My interest in basketball sparked from my older cousins. I used to watch them play at the park when I was younger.

“The most memorable game during my high school career was a home game against Elk River. We were down 10 with 50 seconds left and we came back and won after a buzzer beater that tied the game, allowing us to take the victory in overtime.

“My last season of basketball was difficult to accept because it didn’t end the way my teammates and I intended it to. With that being said I still enjoyed playing.” says Mbanefo.

El-eraby played football, lacrosse, and was also part of Link Crew. “I played all of these sports because I am a very competitive person and its a great way to make new friends and have a great time during high school. It also made school go by fast” says El-eraby.

On top of being a well rounded student, El-eraby still faced struggles like any other student. When asked which year was his hardest El-eraby says “I would probably have to say my junior year because you have to prepare for all of the tests you have to take like the ACT, SAT, MCAs and other college placement tests. And when you are a junior you are so close to being done yet so far from graduating.”

El-eraby plans to further his education at Hamline University where he wants to study Sports and Business Law, “I choose these paths because my passion is in sports and for some reason I am very interested in law so I think they will be a great fit” says El-eraby.

Mbanefo also plans to further his education at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Mbanefo adds “What scares me the most is waking up 10 years from now and feeling as if I have achieved anything less than my true potential. I find excitement in knowing that I’m in control of what happens in the time from now to then, as scary as it might be.”

When asked what message they had for underclassmen, El-eraby says “live it up, everything goes by so fast. I feel like I was a freshman yesterday but now I’m all done. And to remember high school is just a short period of your life and if there is anything bothering you, there are many great people in the building who can help you. Never give up. Once you start something make sure you finish it. And obviously get good grades.”

“My message to underclassmen is to get your priorities straight and live like you were die tomorrow but learn as if you were to live forever.” says Mbanefo.

After four years spent at BHS, El-eraby says he will miss”All of my friends and most of the staff members. After four years these people start to become very important.”

Mbanefo says “I will miss all the people around me that made Blaine so memorable.”

These seniors have taken advantage of their time at Blaine High School. They have been involved in many activities, and have shown outstanding ability to be leaders to their peers. Though Justin Mbanefo and Naji El-eraby will not be roaming the halls of BHS, they will surely not be forgotten. They are on the fast track to success and have brilliant futures ahead of them.