Focus Regional Winter 2024 | Letter From the Editor Focus Regional Winter 2024 | Letter From the Editor

The community is bustling with the thrill of the holiday season!

Christmas lights adorn the streets, and even as the days grow shorter, their glow signals a season of hope. But in the twinkling of an eye, 2024 holiday festivities will fade into memories, and the second semester of school will be underway. For seniors, this marks the beginning of the end of high school; a time of mixed emotions with equal parts excitement and uncertainty, happiness and nostalgia, relief and pressure as they navigate the lasts of childhood and confront the question, “What’s next?” To help answer this question during my senior year, my dad would often say, “Find out what you love, and get really good at it.” This piece of wisdom helped narrow my focus as I considered different paths then as well as the opportunities that have come my way throughout adulthood.

In this regional issue of Focus magazine, we delve into the transition for high school seniors and their families, both leading up to and the months following graduation. Expert insight on money management, mental health, and life skills are featured throughout. We hear from high school counselors about how parents and students can best prepare for college and career success. Whether you are approaching graduation or supporting someone who is, we hope you find this issue both informative and helpful.

Also, baked into this edition are holiday cheer and tasty treats. Our plates are filled with family and social gatherings, school and company parties, and cherished community traditions such as Christmas on the Pecos and Light Up Artesia. Be sure to check our advertisers’ upcoming events, along with a couple of favorite recipes shared by community members.

Each of us has God-given passions deeply woven into who we are, and these abilities play a significant role in shaping our careers. Naming these passions can help navigate life after high school. For seniors, and all of us still on a journey, keep finding out what you love, and get really good at it. The world needs you to do just that.

Allyson Joy
Associate Publisher