Sydney Mayhew

Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Sydney Mayhew was at the adorable age of three when she started her time in Nederland schools. Now in less than two months time she will be accepting her diploma as a graduate of Nederland High School.

When remembering her time at Nederland Elementary her mind goes to the outdoor education experiences. She also loved the circus unit in physical education and took it very seriously. Sydney recalls one year she was so excited that she wore a Troy Bolton track suit in preparation for the event. I think we can all agree that Sydney was a huge fan of the circus unit and High School Musical while at NES. 

While in high school Sydney has been very involved in a wide range of activities. She has played volleyball for three years. She was in the theater program for four years. Sydney has been selected to be in the Loquations choir for three years. 

Sydney has also been a 360 Peer Leader, in REACH and HOBY, and has been on the School Accountability Committee. She has been on Student Council all for years in high school and on the Captain’s Council and Executive Student Council. Sydney has maintained an excellent grade point average and has been a part of the National Honor Society as a junior and senior. 

The relationships with the teachers, the high academic standards and small class sizes have been very important for Sydney during her time at Nederland High School. The classes that have brought her the most joy and satisfaction are anatomy, physiology, AP psychology, world history and Loquations. 

The teachers who have become constant mentors for her and who she has great appreciation for are Mrs. Strong, Mrs. Yakubov and Mr. Real. 

Throughout high school she has had jobs in the Nederland community. She has worked as a nanny, as a receptionist at Corey Sutton Inc., as an ice cream maker at N’Creds Ice Cream and at Wild Bear. She has brought her enthusiasm to all these places and is looking forward to being an intern at Wild Bear again this summer. 

When the summer ends Sydney plans on attending Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She has received the Presidential Scholarship from Trinity University which is $92,000 for four years. Sydney wants to major in psychology. She would also like to spend time in the Peace Corps at some point or work on a Native American Reservation. As you can see she is passionate about working with people and for people to bring about a more just world. 

Sydney says that she will miss this amazing tight knit community and it will be hard to leave. She will also miss skiing. 

Sydney’s parents have a special place in her heart. She says that her mom has been her support system, by her side and helped her through every obstacle. About her step-dad she says, “Though he came into my life when I was seven, he is the most amazing man and shows me what it means to be kind, gentle and a loving human being.”

Wherever Sydney goes in life she will take her passion for music. That means playing guitar, piano, drums, ukulele along with singing and writing songs. She is ready to study psychology, social work and justice. Sydney is ready to see and experience more of the world. I have a hunch there will always be a little Nederland in her heart.

(Originally published in the April 15, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)