Tahj is a very smart student who is dedicated to what he’s doing and has respect for everyone. He has good grades and also plays varsity sports like wrestling, football, and track field. He liked the coach and said that would be one of the things he will miss after high school. 

His role models are his mom and grandmother since they sacrifice and put a lot of effort on him. One of his messages is that it takes nothing to be kind, hating on someone else will not make you happy.

Ricardo Castro Monreal: So what motivated you to run for Mr. Cardinal?

Tahj Brookins: A lot of my friends wanted me to join.       

RCM: So what’s your opinion from the other students who are running for Mr. Cardinal?

TB: I think they’re very, they’re all really smart. They all have high GPAs. They’re admirably kind.

RCM: So what are you doing if you get elected to Mr. Cardinal?

TB: If I get elected for Mr. Cardinal, I’ll thank the crowd and inform my grandmother and mother.

RCM: So why is community service important? In your opinion?

TB: I think community service is important because it shows that you’re willing to go out of your way to help the community, like pick up trash, do things in your own time that you’re not getting paid for.

RCM: So what’s your favorite moment from school? 

TB: My favorite moment from this school was making it to the third round of playoffs for varsity football.

RCM:  Is there something you would like to change about this school?

TB:   That’s such a hard question. I’d have to come back to it. I’d definitely change a little bit of the dress code.

RCM:  Do you have any advice for the freshmen?

TB: I say, try your best to stay on task.  I know sometimes you may want to skip, not do work, but it will come back to you. 

RCM:  What is the biggest challenge facing young people  in your opinion?

TB: I feel like the biggest challenge is peer pressure, especially towards drugs and alcohol. A lot of people can’t think for themselves, basically.

RCM:   Are you still going to be able to see your friends after high school?

TB: I feel like, Yeah, I’d come back to hang out, but not as often as I do, as I plan to go out of state for college.

RCM: Would you know how to solve a conflict between two of your friends?

TB: I  usually try my best to stay out of it, but if I have to get involved, I feel like I’d be able to.

RCM: So what’s your plan for the next few months of this school?

TB: In the next few months for the school year, I plan to sign up for many scholarships and basically stay on top of my grades so I can get into a good college.

RCM: Do you watch football? And if yes, what’s your favorite team?

TB: I do watch NFL football, yes, and then college football. My favorite NFL team is the Minnesota Vikings and the Chiefs. My favorite college team is Ohio State.

RCM: What is your biggest regret?

TB: My biggest regret is not being able to control my emotions, especially on the football field after that game.