The Class of 2020

Highlight of your time at Nightingale:
Getting to school early and sitting in the homeroom. I love saying good morning to everyone as they enter the room and feeling the energy of the room rise as it gets closer to class time.

What would you tell your younger Nightingale self:
I would tell my younger Nightingale self to take a deep breath and take time to relax with friends more. I know that at times students can get so focussed on school work that they forget to fully experience high school. I would tell myself to enjoy the moments with my friends because those are the moments I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

How has Nightingale educated both your heart and mind?
The special thing about Nightingale isn't the classes, but rather the way the information is taught. In my Calculus class, I learned about derivatives and how to ask for help. In my history classes, I learned about the Civil war and empathy. In my biology classes, I learned about the macromolecules and how to work collaboratively. The lessons that I learned in my four years weren't only academic but also skills that I will carry with me throughout life.

Favorite quote/personal motto:
"If you're always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." - Maya Angelou

Your message to the Nightingale Class of 2020:
We did it!!! It has been a wild four years full of laughter and tears, but we actually made it to the finish line. Even though we will all be attending different colleges/universities in the fall, we will never forget the memories we made together. I am so grateful to have gotten to know all 53 of you. I am constantly impressed by all of you, and you have each taught me something about myself and the world. I will miss you all but I know we will all be together again soon. Love you!!!

Highlight of your time at Nightingale:
I still remember being led to the 4th floor by a senior on my first day of Kindergarten in 2007. Now having experienced this tradition from the other end, I have a full understanding for how impactful and unique it is. I will never forget walking my kindergartener up the stairs this year knowing that this small event is an important way to welcome her into the Nightingale community and a moment that she may remember forever.

How has Nightingale educated both your heart and mind?
Nightingale has instilled in me a strong desire to learn from experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Between my hands on work with the environmental board, inspiring assembly speakers weekly, and the opportunity to study in China during my junior year, I am so grateful for these chances to grow and expand my knowledge.

Highlight of your time at Nightingale:
All the amazing work I got to be a part of in and outside the classroom. I worked, in some capacity, on a total of 12 shows in my entire Nightingale career, and so many of my best memories come from those rehearsals, performances, and overall experiences.

What would you tell your younger Nightingale self:
Don’t be afraid to take all the opportunities you can get. You’ll never regret a chance you took, you’ll regret the ones you never got the chance to take.

How have truth, friendship or loyalty been part of your time at Nightingale?Friendship has truly been at the core of my Nightingale experience. There will be a time when I forget the things I learned in classes (sorry fo my teachers) but there will never be a day where I forget the lifelong friends Nightingale has given me. Whether in or out of the blue doors, I will never forget you guys.

How has Nightingale educated both your heart and mind?
I believe Nightingale’s teachers are the best testament to how we as a school educate the students. Nightingale teachers, more than any place else, genuinely care about cultivating both our hearts and minds. I’ve had teachers across all disciplines (math, english, music) stop our previously scheduled classes just to talk to us about life because they sensed that was what was necessary.

Favorite quote/personal motto:
I have to be a basic theatre kid: “Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed for good” from Wicked

Your message to the Nightingale Class of 2020:
Always keep in touch. I think the craziness of this pandemic has taught us the importance and the ability to always stay in connection.