Cece Abel

Sophmore

Cece Abel is a new sophomore at Riverside this semester. Comparing her new experience at Riverside to her past ones at West Linn, there was a lot of contrast. She noticed that it’s definitely different from West Linn in a positive way. The difference in teaching techniques and the way that the students absorb information is vastly different from that of her other schools. She found that it is way more “quality over quantity” and it feels like everyone is receiving a far more refined education. She also thinks that the IB Diploma Program will be something that positively impacts herself and all of her peers both academically and in later life. 

In terms of the school’s physical appearance, she feels that it’s nostalgic because “It’s my old middle school, and I love the feel of the open layout and all the windows, as well as how everything is so accessible.” In terms of the educational aspects of Riverside, she’s found that the main classes are better overall, but the more minor programs like digital arts not being available for students are the main differences. However, it’s understandable due to the fact that Riverside has such a small student body, which doesn’t provide much funding for classes with less participation.

Cece really likes how everyone knows everyone. “The community is way more connected, and it's so nice that I can walk to class and say, “Hi” to everyone in the hallways because everybody knows each other. I also enjoy the amount of accessibility in sports programs.” 

“If you’re good but not great at a sport, Riverside is an amazing option because everyone can participate. You don’t have to be the best to have fun and be part of the team.” Cece, though she hasn’t been an active member of the Tennis program for long, has felt that the community is built on a strong foundation that values teamwork and comradery.

The amount of acceptance that she’s experienced here in comparison to her prior schools really shows the values that Riverside has as a smaller school in a larger district. She appreciates that there’s a lot more versatility in the way that students interact. Everyone here can coexist without the standard pressures of a larger scale highschool that many experience otherwise.

Mr. Holt

Teacher and NTHS Advisor

Mr. Holt is the director of the construction and architecture program at Riverside, as well as the advisor of the National Technical Honors Society. NTHS is a nonprofit organization that serves over 100,000 students and teachers annually. It also gives out close to $300,000 each year in scholarships! 

“NTHS falls under the leadership category, it's an opportunity for students to become leaders and to set themselves up for success,” Mr. Holt said.

As a member of NTHS and NHS, participants receive access to scholarship opportunities, public service drives, and more. They are a way for students to prepare themselves for their future careers and responsibilities in varying fields, and it gives people a chance to grow their leadership skills. Many future employers as well as universities (if that is of interest) take into account any and all involvement in honors societies, especially roles focused on leadership and character. Overall, NTHS is a way to build yourself up as a student and promote your achievements. 

“It really opens up a lot of doors, and it gives you an opportunity to not just live in the moment, but also live in the future.”

While NTHS is a great opportunity for students, it can also be rewarding for teachers. Mr. Holt gets to interact with students who he doesn't have in his own classroom, and the club allows him to build relationships with students he might not have otherwise. Mr. Holt decided to become the advisor because, although any CTE teacher could be the advisor, it was something he chose to do, due to the fact that someone was needed, plus, it was a good opportunity to help out all of his students. Mr. Holt cares deeply about the Riverside community, and hopes that all eligible students will at least give NTHS a try!