Caroline Kammerer

Mrs. Long is a teacher who builds relationships with all of her students during their freshman year. It’s now that time of year when we see another class of young men and women begin a new journey beyond high school.

These students have left a mark on Badin and memories with them will be cherished, especially by Mrs. Long.

“This class made me laugh when they were freshmen, yet at the same time, they were very creative and had deep insight,” Long said.

Mrs. Long has very specific memories of the class of 2019.

“I remember Mike Rand perched on my windowsill, goading AJ Hollar,” Long said. “I remember Chelsea Andorn sharing details about Jaws. Ally Angst’s obsession with sporks, Andrew Enderle’s mullet. BERG! and BUSHMAN! Cullen Gantenberg always curled up on the floor under his desk. Jordan Grabel sharing my birthday, although his seemed to happen way more than mine thank goodness.”

Each class is unique and has many different personalities. It is the little things that people will always remember, whether it’s a smile or a sense of humor.

“Emmi Hare’s little white butterflies. Mark Johnson’s subtle yet hilarious humor. My handshake with Eddie, [go UNC!] Watching AJ and Evan hit the snot out of the volleyball. Tapping Luke Vansteenkiste at NHS. Pulling Tabler out of class numerous times to talk about his classroom behavior. Davon’s smile. Sami’s sweetness. I will always remember my homeroom girls, Grace L, Grace T, Jamie, and my Sydney,” Long said.

In their four years of high school, the seniors have definitely changed.

“The transformation from freshman to senior is a dramatic one,” Long said. “There is so much maturing that happens. Many have figured out a path, a career choice, or at least a general direction that they want to follow.”

What’s different from freshman year? Mrs. Long had an answer for that too.

“Friendships have changed dramatically. Many old friendships remain, but stronger. And those who realized they had different values have drifted away from one another. Kairos brings a deepening of faith and an appreciation of their family and friends they may not have recognized before,” Mrs. Long said.

Since starting at Badin, a significant growth happens with each and every senior. They have all left some kind of impact at Badin that will stick with others.

“Badin is a better place because of them, I will miss them,” Long said.

As will the rest of us.