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.
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