Written by Miles Watts, Editor in Chief
Future engineer and current talented saxophone player, Will Starns has a bright future ahead of him.
There are countless people who have a significant impact on those around them but do not have the spotlight shone on them. One of these hidden gems is Will Starns, whose authenticity and humor never fail to make (at least myself) smile. He has always been a diligent worker, whether it is with playing music from fifth grade, studying hard for an upcoming calculus test, or being a lending ear for whoever needs to vent.
Will was born in Ventura, California but moved with his parents to Littleton, Colorado when he was in first grade. Eventually though, they returned and settled down in Riverside. This transition was quite nerve-racking as it was hard for him to return to somewhere brand new after settling comfortably in Colorado. It was worse for him too as he went to Central as an eighth grader with no old friends to fall back on. Despite this, he found his people (some of which he still talks to today) and had music to keep him company. Moving into high school was certainly terrifying for him, but there he found even more people that he could rely on as marching band immediately linked him to countless others. And as a result of these connections marching band became his favorite part of high school; he explains that he “bonded with so many people in the program and they made high school feel exciting,” which is why he cherishes this aspect of his high school experience so deeply.
The part that he will miss most from high school is seeing all of his friends everyday. As aforementioned, marching band linked him to numerous people and through the program he formed a second family on the field. He looked up to a fellow saxophonist, Ivan Aguilar-Moreno, who graduated last year and was a large inspiration for him his junior year. Not only did he play in Poly’s band, Will also was a member of the saxophone ensemble at California State University, San Bernardino for three years and a part of the Ambassadors of Music tour where he had the opportunity to perform at five concerts across Western Europe.
Not only is he musically inclined, he is also academically adept and has always strived to do the best he can in his classes. At Poly, Will took AP European History, AP Environmental Science, and AP Calculus AB and BC. He also has taken many advanced courses such as accelerated math three and honors ELA and world literature. As a freshman, he met his favorite teacher, Mr. Cordes, who was his English educator that year. “Whenever I think of my most enjoyable times in high school, I always think of his class” Will remarks. This appreciation for him is clear as day as for all following years he would stop by his old teacher’s classroom whenever he had a chance.
Will plans to attend California State University, Sacramento for mechanical engineering after he leaves Poly. However, he is currently waiting and hoping to be accepted into North Carolina State University for nuclear engineering. “I feel happy that the end of high school is finally here, but I do feel a bit anxious and excited for what life has in store for me after” Will remarks. Regardless of his future, he is certain of what he wants to do with his life. His desire to become a nuclear engineer arose from a lecture by Mr. Jambretz in his AP Environmental Science course, but he still is committed to playing saxophone regardless of his profession.
Despite performing in the marching band for four years, hockey is his favorite sport. He started playing at three-years old and ended at ten-years old, and his favorite teams are the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche. His favorite memories are when he watched the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 and when he was chosen to play in a mini hockey game during a Colorado Avalanche match. During that mini game, he got picked up by the mascot and was held in the air for roughly ten seconds which undoubtedly was unexpected enough to cement itself into his brain.
Those who know Will know how kind and how passionate he is. He is someone that shines without desiring to draw crowds and one who will always have his friends’ back. While I am sad to see him leave Riverside soon, I know he will settle for nothing but the best for himself. As his friend, I am so proud of him for who he has become and who he will be. There is no doubt in my mind, and I hope in your mind as well, that he will have a much greater impact on this world than we realize. Thank you, Will, for your companionship, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you.