Class of 2023's "Last Hoorah"

The first day of school is a memory that every student holds dear, not just because it marks a significant milestone in their academic career, but because it kicks off their twelve-year academic journey till graduation. At first, the kindergarteners chuckle at the sound of their distant graduation year, and not too long after, those little Elementary schoolers are Middle schoolers who cannot wait to start high school. And finally, the big day comes on the first day of Freshman year, when that far-away graduation year finally starts feeling a little less distant. However, for this year’s graduating class of 2023, that number is only a few short months away. After almost twelve years of school, the long-awaited graduation day is finally in vision. 

This year’s senior class is finally approaching the long-awaited “finish line”. As they get ready to embark on their new journey, I have talked to several seniors who have shared pieces of advice, favorite memories, and the most valuable lessons they've learned from their time here at AHHS. 

The class of 2023 has had a high school experience unlike any other. Their freshman year consisted of the infamous 2020 lockdown. Sophomore year came with internet issues and microphone mishaps in virtual schooling. And Junior year was muffled by the aftermath of the heart of the pandemic. So Senior year really is an incredibly important one for the class of 2023, because it marks their first official “normal” high school year. 

Clearly, this class has experiences unlike any other, and therefore, they warrant some serious wisdom. So now I would like to turn it over to them. I asked this year’s senior class three questions about their experience and what they want to leave behind.  Here were some of their responses. 

1.  What are the biggest pieces of advice you would give to the other classes?

This was a question that was so important because it serves as part of the class’s legacy for other students.  Every student knows that going through high school can be a daunting experience, however, advice from older peers makes the whole process incredibly less stressful. Upon answering this question, senior Ankita Saxena shares a nostalgic anecdote about appreciating every moment at the high school. “I know it's a cliche,” she says, “ but cherish the time you have. Enjoy walking through the halls with your friends, complaining about homework, about the traffic in the halls, sharing a laugh; remember all the little moments.” 

It is so easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and to overthink the little things, but Ankita’s advice is valuable to remember, especially to the younger classes as they are still becoming accustomed to the new responsibilities of high school.

2.) What are some of your favorite memories from your time here?

This is a question that brings back nostalgia and precious recollections of why the seniors love Abington Heights so much. Chloe Levasseur reflected upon her time here, stating how her favorite memories are “the school traditions we have at Abington like Homecoming, Prom, and the Talent Show.” Tradition leaves a heavy impact on the uniqueness of an experience. These are the traditions that the class of 2023 will remember for the rest of their lives. They will never again get to experience the thrill of their first Homecoming and the unmatched school spirit leading up to Fun Friday. 

Faith Bennet, another senior, adds, “Some of my favorite memories of high school have been joining different clubs and organizations that integrate my interests amongst a group of peers who share similar passions.” Abington offers some of the most extensive array of clubs compared to other schools, and for many of the people at AHHS, they are a powerful vessel for meeting new people. Being with a group of people who you already have something in common with allows for strong relationships in the long run, relationships that can last well after high school. 

3.) What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your time here?

It is a known fact that school is the hub of educational development. But it is no surprise that the lessons we learn throughout our time in school strongly influence the people we will become. Rina Hanumali elaborates on this very idea and says that the most valuable lesson she has learned: “A lot of what you want to accomplish in the future will come from within you. School provides resources for one to grow and learn more about oneself but in the end it’s up to you to figure out how you want to process after high school. The way you respond to the stress you face in your later years of high school also shapes you as a person in the way you react to hardship.”  This message from Rina sheds light on the important skills that we learn in school and how they impact our future in the long run. Simply, Rina’s insight concludes that everything we do in school, no matter how big or small, is crucial to our overall development, and everything has been a valuable lesson and learning experience. 

And now to the seniors: we will all miss you so much and we will cherish the last few months we have with you. These interviews have shown me not only how insightful and helpful the class of 2023 is, but also how compassionate they are to other people and students in the building. I hope that we can continue their legacies for years to come and use their wisdom in our own high school experiences and beyond.