As the 2023-2024 school year marches toward graduation, NASH seniors are inevitably reflecting on the notable events and accomplishments of their final year. They’re not the only ones.
It is not uncommon for NASH teachers, who work daily with graduating seniors, to reflect upon their own high school experiences years ago.
“I have so many great memories of basketball with friends, graduating, and the senior banquet,” social studies teacher Mr. Pirring said. “But my senior trip is definitely my favorite memory. It was great going away with just friends for the first time. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience. And it’s even better because we’re still good friends to this day.”
Math teacher Mr. Fellers appreciated the added freedom that accompanies senior year.
“I had a part time job at a local discount store fixing bicycles,” Fellers said. “I liked having my own job. It was cool because how many people do you know that had a job fixing bicycles?”
The positions of responsibility that seniors undertake often grow into their most cherished memories after graduation.
My senior trip is definitely my favorite memory. It was great going away with just friends for the first time.
— Mr. Pirring, NASH social studies teacher
“Performing the role of Roger in Grease in front of one thousand people a night and seeing my English teacher laugh with tears as I did an Elvis rendition of a song was amazing,” English teacher Mr. Truesdell said.
On the other hand, many seniors see their final year in grade school as a stepping stone to loftier places in the future. When he was in high school, pottery teacher Mr. Matthews counted himself in such a group.
“I remember that just being done felt good,” Matthews said. “Knowing that it was over felt great at that point.”
While many seniors look beyond high school and see adventures to faraway places, many already have traveled, be it through vacations, missions trips, or study abroad programs. NASH Librarian Laura Wienand recalled her favorite experience as a high school traveler.
“I did an independent study in Portuguese [during my senior year], and I went to Brazil for Christmas,” Wienand said. “The only Portuguese I remember how to say is ‘Sorry, I don’t speak Portuguese.'”
Some teachers have fond memories of high school events that have yet to happen for the Class of 2024. Psychology teacher Mrs. Failla remembers one such event.
“I think a good memory was my senior banquet,” Failla said. “I went to school here, and it was very fun and stress-free.”
The most fun experiences of the school year are oftentimes the most memorable. This held true for computer science teacher Mrs. Prosser.
“My school had a school-wide badminton tournament, and I won it with my partner,” Prosser said. “It was an awesome experience.”
No matter how different high school experiences can be, the seniors will certainly remember the impactful teachers that have helped them through high school. English teacher Mr. Boyd recalled one such figure.
“I had a great business law teacher who did some cool mock arguments,” Boyd said. “I wanted to be a lawyer. I’m thankful for all my teachers that did care. That’s what I remember the most.”
