It is officially May and Seniors are preparing for graduation on May 31. The Class of 2024 has weathered many challenges. From starting High School completely online to then doing hybrid schedules before finally going back to in person learning. With the year coming to an end Seniors are enjoying their last few days and reminiscing on their past 4 years of memories; as well as showing their appreciation for some awesome teachers.
Senior, and Class President, Mario Ochoa describes his favorite memory from High School was being able to change the Senior Sunset to be held at the Football Stadium instead of being at Centennial Park. Mario, along with several other seniors, struggled during online learning. In regards to COVID affecting his transition to entering High School, he stated, “I feel like I used to use COVID as an excuse, it genuinely held me back.”
Senior Athlete Jasmin Richardson, also described her online learning experience as a struggle to understand new concepts. Jasmin said Mr. Govett made a lasting impact on her high school experience due to his funny jokes, his continuous smile and happiness and his overall positive energy. Jasmin said her favorite memory of high school was “going to the second round playoffs for basketball last year.” Jasmin also discusses how four years ago she was entering high school and became interested in basketball and learning more about the sport. Now she is proud to say she is going off to be a collegiate athlete.
Both these Seniors have spent all four years of high school here at Hughson. Since they are going to be leaving this year they offer some advice for The next Graduating Class of 2025. It truly is some excellent advice, Jasmin said, “Try out all the different clubs and sports. You never know what you’re going to like…also be smart with your assignments but live a little. Being able to maintain a good balance between school and your life is very important to the real world and for your mental health. Lastly, have fun, as corny as it sounds you only have these 4 years and life moves fast”. Mario also gives some advice to the class of 2025 about being confident in themselves “Don’t be scared and no one cares about what you’re doing, so you might as well do what you want.”
The class of 2024 weren’t the only ones impacted by COVID, it took a toll on teachers and how they teach their classes as well. Mr. Kroll, a U.S. History teacher at HHS, has a unique experience; he taught 8th grade U.S. history to most of the class of 2024 and went on to teach many of them in high school. In his opinion, COVID affected the class of 2024 in several ways, he said, “For many students, the isolation of being alone and the uncertainty each day negatively affected their mental health. School is a place where we can express ourselves; losing that can leave many without an identity. Losing sports, drama, choir, clubs, etc. eliminated opportunities for students to be social. I also believe that for many students being able to Google answers for online assignments created an environment where they no longer trusted their own knowledge.”
As someone who has observed the current senior class for many years, his piece of advice to them is, “to continue to push forward, never back! COVID may have prevented each of you from having the traditional high school start but it in no way defines how it ends or how the future will be. You are stronger and more capable than you give yourself credit for; you persevered. My final piece of advice is simple; be the hardest working person in the room; many will use the experiences of COVID as an excuse, don’t let it define you!”
To The Class of 2024, good luck on your future endeavors, you will all do amazing things in your bright futures!
Sincerely, Alexis and Aamie, your Senior Editors signing out!
