The past four years have flown by for these four Xavier College Prep seniors, who will be tossing their graduation caps this May. And since this incredible, all girls Phoenix private school's annual Scholarship Fashion Show is coming up next month, the fab four hit the racks at Saks Fifth Avenue and shared some cherished Xavier memories, advice for incoming freshman, their plans post graduation and more!
KIMBERLEE KUHLE
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
What is your favorite memory at Xavier:
Freshman Year: My favorite memory from freshman year was Cloudy's class with Nina and Kaira! It was such a fun class and one of the most memorable moments in that class was Nina and I's cake we brought for a contest. We nicknamed it "the monster," and although we lost, I still think we should have won!
Sophomore Year: My favorite memory from sophomore year was when some of the nuns danced at lunch one day.
Junior Year: My favorite memory from junior year was when our class won our first rally!
Senior Year: So far, my favorite memory from senior year was senior prayer day because it was really nice to spend time with the girls in my class and get to know them better, as well as hanging out with my friends!
Who was your favorite teacher and class?
My favorite teacher and class was Mrs. MacLeod (Spanish I) because she is so nice and fun and I looked forward to her class everyday!
What do you wish you would have known before attending Xavier?
I wish I knew to enjoy all of my time at Xavier because it goes by so fast.
How difficult is Xavier? Is it really that tough?
Xavier is tough, but if you get your work done without waiting until the last minute, you will be fine.
What advice would you give to a new incoming Freshman?
Enjoy every minute of high school and don't take it for granted because before you know it you’re a senior getting ready to leave for college.
Do Xavier girls only date Brophy boys?
Although I am dating a Brophy boy, Xavier girls don't all date Brophy boys. The great thing about Xavier is you get a chance to meet so many different people from all of the high schools.
What college will you be attending and why?
I'm not sure what college I will be attending in the fall, but I'm pretty sure I will end up in California.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I hope to to be involved in the entertainment or the fashion industry someday.
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
Are you going to join a sorority or a club in college?
I'm definitely joining a sorority!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would want to fix the recession so that many unemployed Americans can get jobs easier and be able to provide for themselves and their families.
What is your favorite place to shop?
I love to shop at Saks, especially when there are good sales! I also shop at Nordstrom, Urban Outiftters and Shopbop.com.
Favorite clothing brand?
I can't decide! Some of my favorites are Joie, Parker, Splendid, and Jeffrey Campbell.
What kind of music is in your iTunes right now?
Pretty much every type of music, I can't really narrow it down!
iPhone or Blackberry?
iPhone!
What is your favorite family vacation that you've taken in the last four years?
The Bahamas because it was so much fun spending quality time with my family in Atlantis!
Where are you going to have your graduation celebration?
At my house with all of my family and friends!
What is your favorite section on AZFoothills.com?
My favorite section is "Fabulosity" because it is all about style!
Who do you want to thank for supporting you this far in life?
My family, especially my mom and dad because they never stop supporting me and I know that they would do anything for me no matter what. I would also want to thank all of my close friends because without them I don't know what I'd do!
What will you miss the most about Xavier?
The thing I will miss most about Xavier is being around my friends all of the time and being in a close community.
How do you feel about everyone wearing the same uniforms at Xavier?
Wearing a uniform to school is a life saver! It is so much easier getting ready for school every morning when you know what you are wearing.
If you were a car what kind of car would you be and why?
I would be a black Range Rover Sport because I love the way it looks. They are also sporty and fun!
Where is the best place to hang with BFFs?
The best place to hang with BFF's is definitely at each other's houses.
EMMA MCKEE
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
What is your favorite memory at Xavier:
Freshman Year: My favorite memory of freshman year was Christmas dance and also Freshman Prayer Day. Freshman Prayer Day was a time to get to know all of our classmates and was really fun.
Sophomore Year: My favorite memory of sophomore year would have to be the school rallies. We were very spirited that year and contrary what people may think, our rallies get pretty crazy.
Junior Year: My favorite memory from my junior year was prom. It was the first year, since it's a junior and senior prom, that we could go. It was very exciting and we made some great memories
Senior Year: I wouldn’t be able to choose one specific memory of senior year. Senior Year has been bittersweet and I’m sure will continue this way. We have all been trying to savor all of our last moments together.
Who was your favorite teacher and what was your favorite class?
My favorite teachers would be Ms. Dunn and Mr. Ward. I took Advanced Drawing and Painting with Ms. Dunn as well as figure drawing and I took an Independent Study Sculpture class with Mr. Ward. I love art and they are two teachers that have always been inspirations to me.
What do you wish you would have known before attending Xavier?
This seems cliché, but, I would’ve wanted to know how fast it would go by so that I would’ve been sure to appreciate every moment.
How difficult is Xavier? Is it really that tough?
YES, people are not exaggerating.
What advice would you give to a new incoming Freshman?
I would say to find true friends at the beginning and stick with them. Most of all, to do ALL of your homework. That is the most important thing you can do while at Xavier.
Do Xavier girls only date Brophy boys?
I think it all depends on who you hang out with. Most of the people you hang out with are Brophy and Xavier students but there are definitely people from other schools who you can meet and become good friends with.
What college will you be attending and why?
I will most likely be attending Seattle University or Fordham University. They are both Jesuit schools and are both in amazing cities. I love the size and the location of both of these schools and would be grateful to be able to go to either one of these universities.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to do something affiliated with art and hopefully travel, two of my passions. I am not sure exactly what I want to do, but I want to do something thrilling and challenging, definitely nothing sitting behind a desk all day. The main thing I want to be when I grow up is a mom.
Are you going to join a sorority or a club in college?
Most of the schools I applied to don’t offer sororities, but I am hoping to join many clubs.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like to change how technology is quite literally taking over the world.
What is your favorite place to shop?
My four favorite places to shop are Frances, Urban Outfitters, Last Chance and SAKS!
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
Favorite clothing brand?
I don’t think I could chose a specific brand, I like a variety of types of clothing. But, if I could wear Free People all the time, that would be amazing.
What kind of music is in your iTunes right now?
I am all over the place when it comes to music. Out of my friends, I am the one who listens to indie music I guess you could say. But, I like everything from Katie Perry to Bon Iver. My favorite singer would have to be Kristian Matsson, whose band is The Tallest Man On Earth. I love music and going to concerts.
iPhone or Blackberry?
Blackberry!
What is your favorite family vacation that you've taken in the last four years?
I took a trip to Paris with my mom the summer of my freshman year, it was absolutely amazing and brought us a lot closer.
Where are you going to have your graduation celebration?
At my house with my friends and family.
What is your favorite section on AZFoothills.com?
I love looking at the wedding section!
Who do you want to thank for supporting you this far in life?
Firstly my parents who are amazing, my brother who is my best friend and all of my friends who are all like my family. I have an amazing group of friends and an amazing family. I am very lucky.
What will you miss most about Xavier?
I will miss every single person who I sit with at lunch and all of the crazy and weird things we do to entertain ourselves.
How do you feel about everyone wearing the same uniforms at Xavier?
I came from a public middle school, so a uniform was the greatest blessing. I love wearing uniforms, it takes away the competition that comes with girls clothing and style. Some people could say that uniforms are a bad thing because you express yourself through what you wear, but, the truth is everyone makes their uniform unique whether it is their shoes, jewelry or headbands. There is a huge variety of styles that show through all of our uniforms.
If you were a car, what kind of car would you be and why?
I would be an old fashioned volkswagon bug, I absolutely love those cars. I think they describe my personality.
Where is the best place to hang with BFFs?
The best places are casual places like each other’s houses. I think we all have the most fun when we are hanging around and doing nothing.
BECKY COHEN
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
What is your favorite memory at Xavier:
Freshman Year: My favorite memory from my freshman year is definitely the Frosh mixer. I remember being so nervous to go and meet the ever-elusive Brophy boys and getting ready with my friends before hand. I can honestly say it was the best dance of our high school years.
Sophomore Year: Sophomore year was a blast. Hoopcoming began that year and I remember that I had just gotten my license so I drove Kim, Emma, and Lexie. It was the first basketball game I’ve ever seen and the dance was amazing. We had a 10 pm curfew, but it did not even matter!
Junior Year: Winning the Lights Out Rally. It was the first time the class of 2011 had won a rally and I remember being insane about it. I’m pretty sure that if we had lost it may have ruined the year.
Senior Year: So far senior year has been so wonderful, yet so sad. Since we don’t have much longer I’d have to say just sitting in the grass at lunch with my friends is the best. Everyday something funny is said or a new memory is made.
Who was your favorite teacher and class?
Mrs. Welty is fundamentally the greatest woman who has ever lived. AP World History was only bearable because of her hilarity and the way in which she really made history come alive.
What do you wish you would have known before attending Xavier?
I wish I had known to always walk on the right side of the hallways and to never stop and chat. It gets brutal and you never want to be in somebody’s way!
How difficult is Xavier? Is it really that tough?
Xavier is pretty difficult. If you’re not willing to work hard then it is not the school for you. But, it’s all what you make it. If you keep up with your work and study than you’ll be fine.
What advice would you give to a new incoming Freshman?
Cherish every moment. It goes by way too quickly and before you know it it’s over. The friendships you make at Xavier will last forever so focus on the good times with your friends, rather than let drama get you down.
Do Xavier girls only date Brophy boys?
Definitely not! While there is a good amount of amazing cuties at Brophy, girls date boys from all over. Getting to know people from other schools is what makes high school so fun.
What college will you be attending and why?
I’m not sure where exactly I’m going yet, but I know I am heading down South. I was ready for country music, fried chicken, and cute accents, so I made sure to apply to schools in that area.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I hope to be a news anchor. Specifically, I want to do the morning news. Ann Curry better watch out because I want her job.
Are you going to join a sorority or a club in college?
I definitely want to rush in college. I also want to join the newspaper and do club running. I think it is very important to be involved and make the most of my experience.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
About 3.5 million people in America live in poverty. I think it is part of our duty as human beings and Americans to help those people. I wish I could make sure that no person goes to bed without a home or hungry at night.
What is your favorite place to shop?
Definitely Saks and J.Crew
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
Favorite clothing brand?
I love Rebecca Taylor’s girly dresses and blouses. I am also obsessed with Ralph Lauren and Chloe. If only I could afford their clothes!
What kind of music is in your iTunes right now?
A whole lot of Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban. Plus, some classic rock, alternative, and rap. I’m a little all over the place with music.
iPhone or Blackberry?
I have a Blackberry, but now that Verizon is getting the iPhone I may have to switch.
What is your favorite family vacation that you've taken in the last four years?
My mom and I worked for Habitat for Humanity in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is literally the most beautiful place in the world. I plan on moving there after college!
Where are you going to have your graduation celebration?
As long as there are fish tacos and guacamole I do not care where we go!
What is your favorite section on AZFoothills.com?
The “Style” section. I like to read up on the latest trends.
Who do you want to thank for supporting you this far in life?
My parents are amazing. They give me nothing but support and have been there for me in every aspect of my life. My little sister is my best friend. Though we fight sometimes she is always there for me and is the person I talk to most.
What will you miss the most about Xavier?
I will miss being able to show up to school looking like a wild banshee, that’s for sure! What I will truly miss, though, is being able to see my best friends every day.
How do you feel about everyone wearing the same uniforms at Xavier?
Uniforms are a lifesaver. I am dreading the day when I have to dress myself every morning.
If you were a car what kind of car would you be and why?
An old Chevy truck. All-American, reliable, with a whole lot of character.
Where is the best place to hang with BFFs?
For Emma, Lexie, Kim, and I there is nothing better than a 2 am run to IHOP. Who doesn’t love chocolate chip pancakes and their best friends early in the morning?
LEXIE LARCHER
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
What is your favorite memory at Xavier:
Freshman Year: Making so many new friends, the Frosh Mixer, and Brophy football games
Sophomore Year: Playing hackie-sack with Father Muir and finally getting my license
Junior Year: Running on the cross country team, acting in The Music Man, and prom
Senior Year: Getting a part in Hairspray and receiving our occasional senior treats at lunch
Who was your favorite teacher and class?
My favorite teacher was Mr. Ward in Sculpture.
What do you wish you would have known before attending Xavier?
I wish that I would have known how beneficial joining Xavier's clubs would be.
How difficult is Xavier? Is it really that tough?
It all depends on the class and teacher, but as long as you study and work hard, you will get the grades you are aiming for. Also the rumor is true: junior year is the hardest.
What advice would you give to a new incoming Freshman?
Don't procrastinate and leave homework and studying until the last minute. Also, just to keep your great friends close and your best friends closer! High school flies by so keep your priorities straight, take pictures, and have fun!
Do Xavier girls only date Brophy boys?
Typically yes, mostly because our social events only include Brophy and Xavier. It is pretty nice to get a break from boys during the school week, though!
What college will you be attending and why?
It is too early to know yet and I have not decided on which college I will be attending.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up I want to be a photo journalist and travel all over the world, publishing my photos and articles for a travel magazine.
Are you going to join a sorority or a club in college?
I am definitely joining a sorority in college to continue making life long friendships through a sisterhood, like I have at Xavier.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Once I have graduated from college, I am planning on joining the Peace Corps to help change the poor education systems in South America.
What is your favorite place to shop?
H&M and Saks because they have everything from shoes and clothes to purses and makeup!
Photography by Ron Nachtwey
Favorite clothing brand?
Free People because their clothes are so unique and colorful.
What kind of music is in your iTunes right now?
Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, and, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but all of my guilty pleasures including Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Glee.
iPhone or Blackberry?
iPhone all the way! I never get bored with my iPhone in hand.
What is your favorite family vacation that you've taken in the last four years?
Going to New Zealand with my family was SO much fun! Watching my mom bungee jumping is something that I, or any of the people working there, will ever forget. Her face was priceless!
Where are you going to have your graduation celebration?
At my house with my family and friends
What is your favorite section on AZFoothills.com?
Style is my favorite section because it highlights what is in, new trends, and what is up and coming.
Who do you want to thank for supporting you this far in life?
My mom and dad have been so supportive throughout this stressful and exciting time of figuring out where I will be spending the next four years of my life. I am going to miss them like crazy in college!
What will you miss the most about Xavier?
Sitting in the grass at lunch and break with my friends talking about the most random things while devouring a birthday cake and singing "Thy Word" in mass
How do you feel about everyone wearing the same uniforms at Xavier?
I love that we wear uniforms! It takes me four minutes to get ready for school, which gives me more time to sleep!
If you were a car what kind of car would you be and why?
I would be a Jeep Wrangler because I like outdoors and adventure!
Where is the best place to hang with BFFs?
The best place to hang with BFF's is definitely at each other's houses.When I am with my best friends, we have fun anywhere, but our favorite place to hang out is at Mojo.
Photography taken place at Saks Fifth Avenue by Ron Nachtwey
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