Dakota Covington, 17, is a senior at Hydro-Eakly High School.
His mother is Trina Covington. He has two older siblings, Kaitlyn and Dustin Covington. He is from Hydro and has attended Hydro-Eakly since he began school.
Covington does not plan to attend college after high school but still has a plan for what he wants to do.
“I plan to find an electrician to train under,” he said. “I want to make a better life for myself after school.”
Traveling is also intriguing to him.
“In a few years I would like to go to Ireland, Rome or Italy,” Covington said. “I want to see other cultures and religions and how other people live; I’m ready to get out of high school and start my life and go on my own.”
Covington has had many influential people in his life, including his grandfather.
“My grandad has shown me a lot in life. He’s always been there for me when no one else was,” Covington said.
Teachers can make such an impact on students and are a big part of students’ days at school. One impactful teacher is his English teacher, Lia Hillman.
“Ms. Hillman is my favorite teacher,” he said. “She is really nice and a fun person to talk to. She’s a young teacher and understands what we as high schoolers go through and can relate to us.”
Away from school, students have things they enjoy doing during their free time.
“I like to sleep, play video games and garden,” Covington said.. “If money wasn’t an issue I’d buy a 1969 Dodge Charger with a Hemi and travel. Possibly to Amarillo, Texas, Colorado or other places.”
Everyone makes memories during high school, whether they happened at school or not, they are a key part of remembering the good times.
“One of my favorite memories was working with Cade Rea at [Deer Creek Market],” he said. “We had gotten a hold of water guns and one thing led to another and we ended up having a water fight.”
Being an upperclassman comes with being a role model for the underclassmen. Whether it is giving them advice or setting an example, it is nonetheless important.
“Don’t worry, your grades don’t define you and have fun,” Covington said.