Seniors prepare to say goodbye to Rockland High 

By Veritas Staff

May 14, 2024

ROCKLAND- As the class of 2024 is getting ready for their departure from Rockland High School, they’re leaving some advice for underclassmen. 

A survey was sent out to seniors asking them to express their favorite memories and advice they would give to students preparing for the rest of their high school career.

Seniors gave simple advice about the things that impacted them the most. This included things such as community service, joining clubs and sports, and working thoroughly during freshman year which set the tone for the next four years. 

Some seniors commented on time management, effort, and keeping up grades.

Cristiano Gomes recommended that you should “stay on top of your classes as making up work is harder than doing it on time, it piles up.”

The required amount of community service hours to graduate at Rockland High School is 25 hours. Time goes by quickly and not having enough hours close to graduation can be very risky and stressful for lots of students.

Gomes emphasized to students that they should “get your community hours done.”

While focusing on school and activities, high school can fly by and students will be graduating before they know it. 

Many students discussed how quickly the four years go by, and how much academics should be the main focus.

Rami Assour believes that “high school moves fast, [and students shouldn’t] take it for granted because after this the real world starts.”

To prepare for the real world, Brianna Persichini said, “High school is not a joke. It's where you get prepped for college and see how you do in the real world. Depending on how much you want to succeed, if you put in the hard work now, it’ll pay off in the end.”

While academic classes may seem difficult, most seniors believe if you work hard and communicate with teachers, you’ll succeed.

Cameron Babcock suggested, “Take school seriously from the beginning, you will thank yourself.”

Shawn Boostrom mentioned, “Do your work, if you don’t it piles up and then you forget about it.” 

Nadia Dutton advised, “Do not stress about taking honors and AP classes, excel in the class you are comfortable with taking.”

Seniors also looked back on their four years outside the classroom, and how much Rockland has to offer.

Jen Barbosa advised,  “Participate in all activities and sports at school the most you can, you will regret not doing it.”

Maddy Mills emphasized, “Take freshman year seriously! Everyone makes it seem that freshman year doesn’t matter but it really affects your GPA, and Try different clubs, sports etc… I was never told this and my sophomore year I tried volleyball and fell in love. I felt behind because everyone was already into it more than me.”

Chelsea Amaral recommended students, “participate in everything you can, and pay attention even when you think it’s not important.”

Sophie Levy recommended, “My advice would be to join some type of school activity whether it’s clubs or sports! Organizations within the school gives the opportunity to meet new people and get to know the staff within the building.”

Seniors had a difficult time narrowing down their favorite memories, but for some, they ranged from sporting events to pep rallies, musicals to Mr. Rockland, and prom to simply eating school lunches.

Seniors have end-of-the-year events like prom, senior cookout, banquet, walk through the elementary schools, and of course, graduation, to look forward to, but they want their younger peers to think positively about the rest of their time at Rockland High.

Karen Araujo offered, “Be confident in yourself, and don’t let anyone dim your light!”