What are Seniors Feeling on Their Last Year

By: Ashleigh Green

As the beginning of the year starts, far too soon will it come to an end. Especially for the seniors in the building. After four years, two Sadie’s dances, one Homecoming, one Prom, three Spirit Olympics, and a pandemic cutting those events in half, is the ending of a chapter for our seniors.

They’ll be moving on to begin their futures by going to college or entering a trade. Or maybe they’ll continue down another path outside of school.

This makes The Badin Banner wonder, what are the seniors thinking about what comes next.

“I am really looking forward to college because I'm ready to start learning about what I want to pursue,” Hannah Ballinger said when she thought about what’s to come in the next few years.

“I am choosing a trade because I find college very stressful for me, I am looking forward to starting my life,” Hailey Jacobs said as she mentioned what she was looking forward to.

Jonathan Polido is also ready to see what the future holds for him, “I'm looking forward to the new chapter in my life because it will open a lot of possibilities to a new future,” Polido said.

Though there is much to look forward to, there’s also many memories made while in high school to reminisce on.

“Theater!” Jillian Palomino said as she reflected on her past few years at Badin.

Katie Hiernaux listed out the many memorable moments she had at Badin, “Classes with my friends, Spirit Olympics, football games, lunch time, flex bell food party on block days, decorating doors for Christmas,” Hiernaux said.

Oliva Grammel recalls the connections she created while at Badin, “I have enjoyed most of the relationships I have made with my fellow classmates along with the teachers and administrators,” Grammel said.

But along with the positive memories to think back too, there’s also things to miss about high school.

There are some things Polido will miss as he heads into college.

“The small things like joking around with people, adopting an underclassmen, and sports,” Polido Said

Gracie Combs said, “I will miss the connections I have made and the events that happen during high school,” as she described what she’ll miss about Badin.

Though this is the last year for the seniors, it’s not for the underclassmen. Especially for the new freshman who could use some advice when it comes to the stress of high school.

“Everyone always says that high school goes by so fast, I never believed it, but it really does. Get involved with service, sports events, talk to new people, take pictures but live in the moment,” Jacobs said.

Hiernaux advises, “Do things that you might say “why not?” to because it might be the best decision of your life. Also take school seriously because it can affect you years down the line.”

“Don't put things off, and take classes at your level. Don't do something too easy or too hard,” Palomino said.

While it’s only the beginning of the year, it is still a saddening moment to know that this is the end of a major part of the seniors' lives. That these memorable years are coming to an end and all we can do now is look forward to this new chapter in their lives.

“It is a bittersweet moment and I do not think it has fully sunk in yet,” Grammel said.

Combs however, sees this moment differently, “Not really, I like to think of it as the ending to an adventure and a starting of another.” she said.

Polido feels like he missed out on some of the high school clichés, “Movies make a high school life seem fun and amazing, yet I haven't done most of the things I wish I could do like staying up late with friends playing video games or even go to a large party.” He said.

Even though it’s the beginning of the school year, it is sure to fly by fast. By the time May arrives, the freshmen will become sophomores, the sophomores become juniors, and the juniors become seniors.

Then, the seniors will become alumni of Badin High School and embrace their future. It is sad to say goodbye, but the legacy they leave behind will be remembered.