Now that spring has finally arrived, students in their senior years have one main goal — get to graduation!
It has been a long 13 years of report cards, field trips, dances, sporting events, friendships, and yes, even some fighting. As May approaches, senior trips, skits, T-shirts and cook-outs are heavily discussed, and everyone begins to think about what that day in May when high school is really over will be like.
“I think graduation will be bittersweet. I’m going to miss my class as a whole, but I’m ready to move on with my life,” Devin Sears said.
That sentiment is echoed by many people in the class of 2009. No one knows exactly what the next few years of life holds, but most are thrilled to start experiencing new things. With that excitement, a lot of seniors also realize there are things they will miss.
David Holmes said, “I feel extremely excited for graduation, but at the same time, I’m going to miss the closeness I share with my friends and teachers from high school.”
Other seniors are thinking mostly about the actual event of graduation. There are fears of tripping on the way to get a diploma, losing the cap before the ceremony, and, of course, botching a speech in front of the entire class and those gathered to see graduation.
Maybe the best way to get an idea of what is ahead is to ask someone who has already experienced the end of high school.
Shawna Richards, a 2008 graduate of Fairmont Senior, said, “I thought the graduation ceremony would last forever because I’d gone previous years and it always felt long. It went pretty quickly since I was nervous about giving a speech and excited about graduating.”
Many seniors are wondering about what life will be like beyond receiving their diploma, in particular, college. Richards said, “Life is very different in college. You get to schedule when you have classes, some of the work is much more difficult and time consuming than high school work and in some classes earning a good grade is much harder. However, once you start making friends, social life is much easier in college than in high school, simply because there is much less drama.”
Angie Brolin, also a 2008 Fairmont Senior graduate, had similar thoughts. She said, “Leaving home at first is extremely hard, but after that it is amazing! You learn how to manage your time, and you are completely on your own. Also the teachers tend to be more laid back.” So what did they get out of high school that graduating senior will find themselves thankful for next year
Shawna Richards said, “In high school, I learned that friends have a big influence on your life, so choosing the right group of people to make friends with is very important. This same principle applies to college.”
With that insight into what the next year may bring, seniors can take comfort. College and life in general will be different, but everyone can make the adjustment. However, high school is not over quite yet. There is still plenty of time to spread some upperclassmen wisdom to younger students. Holmes commented, “High school can bring the worst out of you but just remember who you are and you will be just fine.”
Another senior, Leah Nestor felt a need to assuage younger students’ fears about choosing a college early. “You do not have to decide where you want to go to college until your senior year. Don’t make yourself crazy trying to make a decision before that year,” she advised.
Kathryn Shields urged everyone to get involved. “Don’t be afraid to try clubs and activities you think will be fun. Just enjoy your time while it’s still there,” she said.
Amber Treadway stressed the necessity of spending time with close friends, “Senior year is the last time you will get to see a lot your friends so you should spend time with them and make it year you will cherish forever.”
Graduation is still a few weeks away. In the coming weeks as excitement heightens and the day approaches, members of the Class of 2009 will reminisce about the past 13 years. There will be good-byes to say, tears to shed, but also smiles to share; all the hard-work has led to this moment. It is finally time to graduate!
Cold Pizza
Related Photos
-
PHOTO BY MARISSA PULICE
April 7, 2009
Bittersweet new beginnings
Class of 2009 looks to the future
- Cold Pizza
-
-
Commanding the field
How many can distinctively conduct the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in ¾ time using the appropriate cut-offs and the upbeat introductions? How many can direct a band marching backward and keeping time to the parade style songs? These are only the tryouts, while in reality the job of field commander entitles much more.
-
To hear music, just press ‘play’
Can you imagine living a day without music? Or having a month without your iPod or mp3 player? Just think of how the world would be if you were not able to hear your favorite song echo through a speaker. Well, the way that music players have branched out over the years, there are no worries for not having music by your side for generations to come.
-
A night to remember
The night was just like any other dance we seniors had attended. North Marion’s Prom of 2009 hit it off from the start. Students danced to songs including “Just Dance”, by Lady Gaga and “When You Say Nothing at All.”
-
A musical journey
On April 23, East Fairmont High School’s Elizabethans and My Fair Ladies began their eight-hour journey to Williamsburg, Va.
-
A new outlook
When you think of the city of Fairmont, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s the courthouse — nestled in the heart of downtown, a depiction of regal architecture that is a symbol of our city’s history. Or maybe you think of the “Million Dollar” bridge that connects east and west side; an optimistic landscape which is a more recent addition to Marion County. Then again, you may picture a site that is connected to your own personal memories. -
Making it worthwhile
During the spring and the fall, a very important event happens to a selected group at Fairmont Senior High School. This event is the inductions of the National Honor Society.
-
Cell phone nation
Are cell phones taking over the nation?
Is it just me or does it appear that everywhere you turn someone is using a cell phone? -
In praise of the humble elective
With an economy that can at best be described as “chilly,” it makes sense that Americans are turning more and more to the majors and careers that seem like sure things. Why get a degree in medicine? Well, you could be a doctor. Interested in advertisements? Have you considered going into ... advertisement?
-
Bittersweet new beginnings
Now that spring has finally arrived, students in their senior years have one main goal — get to graduation!
It has been a long 13 years of report cards, field trips, dances, sporting events, friendships, and yes, even some fighting. -
Free Spirit Conference ’09
It’s your special perfect day and a thunderstorm starts to move in, causing all the banners, balloons, the perfect hair, etc. to become distorted.
After this treacherous day do you pack your bags and give up? - More Cold Pizza Headlines
-
