by Hannah Nicholson and Hillary Twiford, opinion editor and news editor
After weeks of preparation and planning, members of the Class of 2018 presented their future plans to the public at the annual Senior Showcase on Jan. 17. Students, staff, and family members gathered in the gymnasium to observe projects created by the senior class. The seniors constructed tri-fold displays with information about their plans after high school, including budgeting, education costs and requirements, and other pertinent details. Each student also presented a slideshow for two teachers and family and community members. The following day, they completed a reflection in Mr. William Hetrick’s English class. Here is what the seniors had to say about the experience:
Positive/negative aspects of senior project process.
“I don’t have any negative things about the graduation project process. I believe it is a great way to start looking into how you should start planning and saving for your future.”
- Courtney Delizio
“I would like to give a huge thanks to all of my teachers that helped me get this far in life and helped me get ready for the outside world.”
- Garet Metzler
“The process of learning all the types of documents you may need to get a job or college application helped me so much.”
- Haley Hess
“Some positives were that I had to go out and do a job shadow. I liked that because I got to meet new people, and I got to see what it would be like to work that job on a regular day.”
- Iain Scott
“The only con to this project is I feel that our presentation night is too early in the school year. I have not received all my scholarship info, and many students have not yet received their admissions decisions. I feel that pushing the date back could possibly be beneficial.”
- Emily Loccisano
Describe how you have grown throughout the process.
“This experience has helped me grow individually by giving me the opportunity to see all of my options for after high school. It made me grow by wanting to become a more active community member.”
- Marissa Henry
“While I would like to believe my eyes were already opened to my future, this process magnified the smaller details.”
- Alisa Blaylock
“I started thinking about my future more. It’s something that I put off for a long time because it meant I was growing up. Now I’m thinking more about it, and I have a plan.”
- Hannah Myers
“Going through this project as an individual, I have learned that there are many little steps that you have to take to pay to live on your own.”
- Lexie Vath
“This project allowed me to learn basic life skills before going into the real world and also pressured me into getting stuff done sooner than later.”
- Emily Loccisano
“I grew throughout the project because it let me see the jobs that I wanted to go for and clearly helped me with what college I want to attend.”
- Patrick Dunn
“ I have discovered more about my abilities and have gained some self-confidence.”
- Devlin Ives
“Before I started the project, I had a decent idea, but now that I am finished, I can actually see my goal.”
- Bailey Kozalla
Reflect on the project presentation.
“I was really nervous at first, but after everything was done and over with, I felt like I accomplished something.”
- Emily Bowman
“I enjoyed seeing all of my grade come together for a special night.”
- Erika Caldwell
“I really like the presentation night because it gives us a chance to show all of our friends and family the work we’ve done and talk to our teachers to get advice on our future.”
- Stefanie Arblaster
“I learned to slow down and think, that it’s okay to pause and collect your thoughts. The presentation left me feeling very confident.”
- Emily Fry
“Having to present my plan has forced me to really think about it, and now that I have started to think about my plan, I am even more excited.”
- Hannah Nicholson