MacArthur High School senior Rokhaya Cissie, as she gears up for her next adventure at Texas Woman’s University, takes a moment to reflect on her high school journey and the individuals who shaped her into the student she is today.
Originally from Irving, Cissie's educational path led her through Clifton Early Childhood, Thomas Haley Elementary, and Houston Middle Schools before arriving at MacArthur. It was here that her passion for music found expression in the school choir, an experience that transcended mere extracurricular involvement to become a cornerstone of her identity.
“Being part of a group, creating something together – that's what I love,” she explains. “And my choir directors, Lauren Davis and Clinton Blanco, have been more than just mentors; they've become part of my cherished memories and my growth.”
Among these memories stands out the invitation for MacArthur’s A Cappella Treble Choir to perform at the prestigious 2024 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Conference in Denver, a highlight in Cissie’s high school journey. Equally significant was her acceptance into Texas Woman’s University, marking a milestone for her and her family as the first to pursue a four-year degree.
Intending to major in psychology, Cissie is driven by a desire to understand and aid others facing internal struggles, drawing from her own experiences with anxiety. Her path is further enriched by her involvement in Irving ISD’s Career and Technical Education program, where she will graduate with a teaching certification, bolstered by hands-on experience from internships at Brandenburg Elementary School and MacArthur itself.
As she bids farewell to MacArthur, Cissie reserves special gratitude for Principal Natasha Stewart and choral director Ms. Lauren Davis, both pivotal figures in her educational journey.
“Irving ISD and MacArthur High School have been incredible,” she reflects. “The support, the environment – it's been unmatched. But I'm ready for what's next.”
