Seniors of Nyack

By Lula Talenfeld and Marina Newman

  As the school year comes to an end and summer is fast approaching, feelings of sweet nostalgia sweep through the seniors’ minds. Especially with two “normal” school years lost, the cliche of wondering where all the time went is even more real. To celebrate and commemorate the class of ‘21, we interviewed some seniors about their time at Nyack and asked any advice they would give to their freshman selves.

“Actually do all of your work and turn it in because it turns out it’s actually important for you to get into a good school. But also, be comfortable with not knowing anything. Be grateful that you’ll be treated very well and respected here, and take your time - don’t rush it.” - Emil Scanlan, senior 

“Work ethic is more important than intelligence and you can’t just skate by on knowing [stuff]rather than actually doing anything. Take advantage of being in a nice place like Nyack.” - Eugene Calligeros, senior

“Even though it’s very cliche, I think it’s so important to value every second you have here and not stress over the little things. Even though your grades and how you do in school are important, it’s equally important to make every second here matter and spend it with the people you love.” - Megan Gregor, senior

“My advice to myself would 100% be to do your homework. I lost so many more points than I should have simply because I would hand in my homework late. Who knows where I’d be going next year if I just did my homework.” - Nathan Rakhlin, senior

“Everyone always told me that it would go really fast and I didn’t believe them but definitely cherish every moment because it definitely does. Go to every sports game, every school play, every event, because making memories with your best friends since you were little is really important before you go to college. Senior year will definitely go faster than you realize, so don’t stress too much and make as many memories as you can.” - Olivia McGrogan, senior

“Even though we got half of our time here at Nyack taken away from us, I still made great friends and memories that I will remember forever. It kinda sucks that we lost our junior and senior years -that’s kinda depressing - but can’t wait for graduation!” - Anna Fiore, senior

“My advice to any incoming freshmen is to really focus on the work you have, but take the time to enjoy yourself. College isn’t that far off and what seems hard in high school you’ll want back when you go to college, so take the time to make friends and take time for yourself as well. High school is important but those last years of your childhood are even more important in my opinion.” - Nyle Austin, senior

“Hi, my name’s Ella Stevens, I’m 5’9”, I’m a senior, I’m a Capricorn. I’ve been practicing for four years to climb the pole. 🤫. I wish I had enough upper body strength, forearm strength, and finger grip, to get to the top of the pole, but I’ll keep working on it. I’m almost there! Wish me luck!” - Ella Stevens, senior 

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“I would’ve told my freshman self to study hard, but not take everything so seriously because senior year comes pretty quick. Work hard, play harder.” - Jack Wishner and Kevin Fowler, seniors.