The class of 2019, current juniors, are preparing for their senior year. With emotions flying every which way, the majority of the class is looking upon this transition with nothing but positivity.
Although senior year is typically portrayed as a “blow off year” on TV and in movies, the majority of the class plans to take dual-credit college classes worth both college and high school credits. While not everyone is taking that route, the remaining students still plan on challenging themselves with weighted classes such as Calculus, Chemistry 2, and Honors English.
The majority of next year’s seniors plan of participating in a variety of clubs, such as FCCLA, FBLA, NHS, and STUCO. Many also plan to take part in sports as well, including cheerleading, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, and cross country.
When asked about their expectations of senior year, many gave a variety of answers. Some hope it will go by fast, while others feel as if it's going to feel like forever. Others hope for it to be fun, yet challenging.
As Kamryn Poe put it, “I expect senior year to seem long, but I hope to have a great time with my classmates. For most of us, this is the last chapter in our story to all be together. I hope we can enjoy that.”
Many might find that she is right-- for the majority of us, it will be our last chapter together as a class. We have been there for each other through everything-- from family struggles to ACT stress to sporting competitions to weekend hangouts and everything in between. We have made many great memories together, memories we will take with us even after we graduate.
Some of our favorite memories together, not as a class but as friends, include:
CeCe Malone stated, “the summer is always fun. Last summer, I went to Six Flags multiple times, and just being there with my friends and riding all those rides was definitely something I want to remember all my life.”
Devin Bruckerhoff mentioned wanting to remember his camping trips with his friends.
Joseph Rethemeyer simply stated that he wanted to remember the solar eclipse.
“Mrs. Taylor making Miranda Durbin cry by playing Beethoven one-handed while eating a salad,” Desiree Strehlau explains.
Julia Unnerstall shared, “My favorite moment of all time is when Kamryn Poe fell over the collapsible fence at the Owensville tournament freshman year. Coach Scheer was laughing too hard to ask if she was okay. I almost fell over in laughter! Best moment of my life!”
Kamryn Poe said, “I can't pick one memory. I want to remember every second that I have had with these amazing people over the last several years. Whether that be Levi, Claire, and I hanging out at our sisters’ middle school volleyball games or Lexi and I going to the movies... I want to remember all of the good times because of the wonderful people in those moments.”
Miranda Durbin, on the other hand, doesn’t want to remember a particular moment, but the educators themselves. She shared, “I want to remember my teachers. Each and every one of my teachers has left an impact on my life, and without them, I wouldn't be the same person I am today. They've pushed me to do better when I thought I was doing my best; they've taught me more than general education, they've taught me right from wrong; they've shown me the person I am capable of being; and they have each left me with important lessons that I will use throughout my entire life. Without my teachers, I wouldn't live the life I am today. My teachers are the most important part of my education, and I don't want to forget them or what they have taught me throughout my life.”
When it comes to the fears they have of their final year, many reported feeling nervous about the harder classes. Some are also worried about senioritis kicking in. Many are also worried about applying for colleges and things like whether they will be accepted into their top picks.
Some of the most popular top picks for colleges among the class of 2019 are:
- East Central College (ECC)
- University of Missouri (Mizzou)
- Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
- Truman State University
- Columbia College
- Missouri State University (MSU)
- Saint Louis University (SLU)
The future careers the class is considering go from truck driving to the medical field-- both human and animal-- to the teaching field. Some even consider a career in law enforcement, government, and political careers.
As you can see, the class of 2019-- next year’s seniors-- have big plans for next year. The world is at their fingertips, and they hope to make the best of it. We, here at NHHS, wish you the best of luck.