Senior year of high school leads to a lot of “lasts,” but for the first time students will be navigating the college admissions process while trying to make the most of what’s left of high school. Start senior year focused and prepared by knowing what to expect and how to solve any challenges you may face.
Now here are a couple of things to expect senior year, and how to handle them:
Grades STILL matter.
Colleges look at grades from all four years of high school. Colleges require
you to submit a final grade report, and poor grades senior year can keep you out of your dream college. Some colleges have been known to cancel acceptances if your final transcript shows a sharp drop in grades.
Stay focused on finishing the year strong and keep grades up. Colleges will notice that you’re working hard and that you have the maturity to handle a college course load.
You will be busy so stay organized.
Time management is essential to your success, especially as you dive deep into college applications. Set aside time for studying, homework, and extracurricular activities.
Making sure to keep these things in mind will help you have a successful senior year.
photo taken from the Highland Senior Class Twitter
The last day for senior’s was on Friday, June 3rd, and that was also the day of the senior send-off. The send-off is for the whole school to recognize the graduating class and say our goodbye’s. The senior-send off assembly included, teachers and students giving their final words of advice for after high school, younger siblings saying goodbye to their senior siblings, a senior slideshow with pictures of the seniors throughout their time here at Highland, and finally the seniors leaving – walking down the middle of the gym hugging their teachers and tearing up saying their goodbyes.
The rest of the students watch the assembly for the seniors. Some get sad saying goodbye to their senior friends. I asked some juniors what they thought of the senior goodbye, considering that the juniors here at Highland are the ones who’ve been in high school the longest with the class of 2016.
Did you get sad at this year’s senior goodbye?
“Yes, I cried, not specifically for any seniors, just because of the scene and the music playing. It’s just sad,” answered Keshya Bailey-Phelps (11).
“It was sad, I didn’t cry though. I wasn’t too close to any of the seniors this year,” answered Gabriela Masiello (11).
“It was very sad, I cried because all of my best friends graduated and it’s sad to think that they’re not going to be here in school with me next year,” answered DJ Kahassai (11).
Did you think the senior send-off is a relevant assembly?
“Yes, of course! It’s very important because not all of us will see some of the seniors again so its important for us to say goodbye at the senior send-off,” answered Keshya Bailey-Phelps (11).
“Yeah, it is. It’s my favorite, yet least favorite assembly of the year. It’s the saddest one, but it’s the one that I actually care about and would be sad if I didn’t attend it,” answered Gabriela Masiello (11).
“Yeah, it’s important for the seniors to get their own separate assembly just for them so they know we all hope the best for them,” answered DJ Kahassai (11).
Congratulations to the graduating Highland Park class of 2016! Class of 2017, we’re next!
After a successful season of track and field, there was one night that everyone was waiting for…and that was the Banquet.
photo courtesy of Asiah Atiq
The Highland Park track team had a variety of people with many different skills. Those skills helped us win track meets, and if we didn’t win we sure put in our all. On May 17, and May 19, the City Conference Track Meet was hosted, which meant “Go hard or go home.” The Highland Park team was determined to make their mark at this meet, and that’s exactly what they did. All the training, and confidence we built as a team, surely helped us get the win for the Conference Champs of 2016. In my eyes, I saw a team that was known for building each other up, not knocking each other down.
This year not only helped me improve some skills and help me get into shape, but it helped me face my fears and made me be more confident into trying new things, and to be more open-minded. The skills and things I was taught this year made me realize that I’m stronger than I thought I was, and made me think “outside the box.” Since I had so much faith in the team, and myself, I made my mark on the team.
Banquets are usually events that bring people together, celebrating accomplishments, and talking over the greatest moments, followed by speeches that include wise words. Monday, May 6th, was the day of Highland Park’s track banquet which recognized and awarded many of our great athletes. One thing I like about banquets is that it shows the different capabilities in people, whether it’s from jumping, to throwing, and even running. We talked about what the team meant, what was expected from the athletes, and how the overall season went.
The coaches had a huge impact on me and the team, because if I wouldn’t have known that there was gonna be obstacles on our way to success, I would have never continued trying to reach my goals, and going outside the box. I achieved blocks, a big part of a race that I havent tried till this year. That connects with the saying “You learn something new every day” – Ray LeBlond.
Overall, this year was filled with accomplishments, and not only am I proud of myself, but I am also proud of my teammates. I want to thank the Track and Field coaches for making this track season one to remember, and to continue doing what you think is right.
To anyone who wants to join track, or is getting ready for next season…stay true to yourself and know your strengths.
The day June 8, 2016 will now be remembered for the graduation of Highland’s 2016 Senior Class. On that night, friends and family of the graduating class gathered together to celebrate this monumental night in all of our lives. The ceremony was held at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown Saint Paul, and started at 5:30 p.m.
The night was kicked off by the Highland Park Symphonic Band, directed by Joel Matuzak. The Symphonic Band was followed up by a welcome speech from the Senior Class Advisor Charlotte Landreau.
Once finished, the Highland Park Concert Choir, conducted by Kate Mendenhall sang the National Anthem. The National Anthem was followed by greetings from Michelle Walker, as well as Zuki Ellis. After their greetings, the Concert Choir sang their final peace “Seasons of Love”.
After the Concert Choir sang, members of the Senior Class Council stood on the stage and gave their greeting speech. The Class Council speech was followed by a soloist performance from Claudia Stensrud of “Unwritten”.
The Student Valedictory Speech came next, presented by Leah Kanihan.
Then the Symphonic Band played another piece, before Richard Jensen (who had been chosen by the graduating Senior Class) gave his Commencement Address.
This was followed by Dr. Winston H. Tucker’s presentation of the graduating class, and Mary Vanderwert Conferring of Diplomas.
Then came the Presentation of Graduates, who were welcomed up on stage by members of the Senior Class Council.
Lastly was the farewell, arranged by Joel Matuzak and the Symphonic Band. Friends and family were then invited to meet the graduates in Tower Hall, where they received their diplomas after the ceremony.
The State Fair runs from August 25th to September 5th. The State Fair is a Minnesotan tradition. Watch G Eazy and Weezer while eating some whacky foods like porcupine meatballs and lobster on a stick. Or you can enter in competitions like the 4-H or the Fine Arts.
Take a road trip to Duluth
Duluth is a destination for nature activities such as hiking, camping tour, kayaking and canoeing tours. Visit Spirit Mountain or the Superior Hiking Trail.
Highland Fest
Highland Fest is near school, right in the Village on Ford Parkway and Cleveland Ave. It’s held July 15-17 and features local art and music. Not only can you enjoy the venders and live entertainment, but you can also eat in the many restaurants like Noodles & Co, the Highland Grill, and Chipotle. Catch a fro-yo while listening to music at Menchies.
Go to an Art Museum
Minnesota is home to several museums, like the Weisman Art Museum, located on the University of Minnesota campus, The Walker, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). Explore exhibits like the Guerilla Girls and the Walker Art collection featuring 75 years of Walker Art.
Held at Macalester college, this camp is perfect for computer and technology lovers. The program consists of a 2 week camp, with opportunities available for ages 7-17.
Held in Minneapolis, this camp is open to beginning or experienced French speakers to learn and grow with the language during this 5 day camp. It also provides opportunities for immersion in the future. Open to kids ages 3-18.
This is for the animal lovers! Grades 3-10 have the opportunity to work and learn about animals and the responsibilities that come along with taking care of them. The camp is for 5 days and costs $300.
This is a free camp open for young women of color ages 16-18 held at St. Catherine University. This camp is 4 days and focuses on providing the women a college immersion experience for knowledge and a little background on a potential future at a university.
These camps last 4-7 days and have an option for full day or a residential stay for kids in grades 5-12. The focus of these camps is in the name itself, athletics. There are a variety of sport options including ones like swimming, golf, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and many more. The camp is held in St. Peter, MN.
Held at the Guthrie theater, the acting and theater camps focus on bringing out the imagination and expression of kids in grades 3-12. Camps last 5 days with half and full day options and prices range from $250-$495.
Newspaper will be a class run by Ms. Lingofelt during the next school year. Newspaper is a class where students get to write articles to put on the Highland Park Senior High ThePlaid Line website. For those students who love to write, this class would be a good class to take.
Students are responsible for writing an original article every other week. The first week is pitch week: pitch week is when students come up with article ideas to write about. The second week is article week: final articles need to be submitted by the end of article week. Newspaper is a pretty chill class where students just write. Articles can be about school, world issues or just anything.
Students here are nice and open, they are very funny people. If students choose to write an article where they can interview someone in the school, they will be given a pass to go interview the person only if that person is free during the hour.
Newspaper would love to have more students, hopefully, in the next school year there will be more students. Hopefully, in the next school year, there will be many different articles published.
What does being a Link Leader mean? To answer this question I interviewed one of my Link Leaders, Lucia Calatayud this year, since I’m a freshman. Being a link leader at Highland means an upperclassmen – juniors or seniors – mentor freshmen on their first year of high school, and getting around.
I asked Lucia what does being a Link Leader mean to her? She answered with, “I really like the people in it and and the really positive environment and everyone seeks a common goal. We are encouraging, happy, silly and most groups aren’t like that. Being a junior or senior means you don’t get a lot of classes with freshman or interact or be one on one with them or know them.”
Next, I asked her what made her what to become a Link Leader? She answered with, “Other Link Leaders encourage me. The tryouts were good. You could tell it was going to be a good year and a good group.”
Then, I asked her how has being a Link Leader impacted her in her life? She answered with, “It made me more outgoing in a way willing to put myself out there. Normally I’m shy, now I’m more outgoing and know more people now.”
Last, I asked what’s her favorite thing about being in Link Crew? She answered with, “The people. The activities because they’re childish and fun and relate to real life situations in a way. It opens up your eyes more. The environment and you always have a good time there.”
My opinion is Link Leaders are such a big help during freshman year. Because you’re new and you’re still trying to find a way to get around and see new faces everywhere you go. My Link Leaders were such a big help. They have encouraged me to be a Link Leader in my junior year, which I’m truly looking forward to. I think everyone should try it at least once during their high school experience. It’s a great way to know new people and help incoming freshmen to show them around just like your Link Leaders helped you.
On Friday, May 20, two Highland students placed 1st in our State Adapted Bowling Tournament in the Singles Division: Kyra Kracth and Connor O’Meara. Eyna Linn and Minh Dang came in third place.
Adaptive Bowling is a sport that helps children with disabilities, or disadvantages, participate in the sport much easier. There are many different types of equipment to help athletes, like the set up, the physical approach to the foul line, the back swing and the guided release of the ball. For an easier approach, the adaptive bowling devices have been divided into three main categories; wheelchair adaptations, bowling ball adaptations and ball rolling adaptations. Depending on the type, and severity, of the person’s disability, one or more of these devices might be necessary for them to be able to bowl.
To determine which adaptions are appropriate for each student, the following steps should be taken: evaluate each student’s present level of bowling skill for probability of success, assess previous experience, fitness level, motor functioning, attitude toward his/her disability, and willingness to participate.
photo courtesy of Nancy Galligan
I interviewed Ms. Nell, a teacher at Highland Park that specializes in helping children with disabilities, who is also coach of the Highland adapted bowling team. She told me that they prepare by, “We bowl every week practicing lining up the bowling balls onto the straight arrows.” She also explained how she has encouraging talks with her students, but she prefers to call them her kids. When I asked what was one of the hardest parts for them, Ms. Nell said it was focusing and also keeping the ball straight.
I asked how hard it was for her to coach the kids she simply said, “I’ve been doing this for years so it’s really not hard I enjoy it.” I was also curious about how her experience has been through doing this for multiple years. She replied with, “This has allowed me to see how my kids can grow in many different ways in not only this, but in many different sports.”
I also spoke a bit with the state champion Connor O’Meara he said, “It felt great.” Also, “The last time I won state champion was in 2007.”
photo courtesy of Nancy Galligan
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