As the 2023-2024 school year comes to an end, we say farewell to the class of 2023.  Many students have a relationship with a senior in some way. Those people get to hear stories and experiences from them. But that’s just one person’s experience. Here are some stories and experiences from a group of seniors. 

The Advice

People change and lessons are learned throughout the four years in high school.  Ellie Brezinka learned to save judgement for others.  “Everyone has a different story to tell so you shouldn’t judge a book by the cover,” Brezinka said. 

Bri Ansera learned about herself.  She stated that she learned, “The practice of self reflection” through various relationships.

Being an underclassmen is intimidating. The seniors give their expertise and advice for underclassmen. 

Seniors suggest taking risks. Aleya Berry said, “Do any and everything. Have fun and don’t hold yourself back from new friends and activities. If you have ideas for new clubs or art, do it. There are people here willing to give you the space to create and be successful. And don’t stress about your future! I decided just senior year what I finally wanted to do and I’m committed more than ever before. Everything works out in the end so have fun and don’t stress.” 

A big part of high school is trying to fit in. Cecil Campbell said “Be yourself. Don’t waste your time acting how you think other people want you to act. At the end of the day, do what makes you happy.”

High school teaches a lot of hard lessons both in class and out of Bri Ansera stated, “1) School can get hard when you have no motivation or interest, but sometimes you just need to sit down and do the work. 2) Losing friends isn’t the end of the world. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever.” 

The Memories

As RAHS Seniors close-in on graduation, they reflect on their time in high school.  This group of seniors started RAHS in a typical freshman fashion, but ended that year at home in distance learning.  Their time as a high school student was anomalous but still, they found joy in their experiences. 

Cats was definitely a highlight for seniors LaBounty and Campbell. 

“Seeing the set I designed for cats come to life and become a real thing,” said Labounty.

Similarly Cecil Campbell enjoyed, “Working on the makeup for RAHS Drama’s production of Cats the Musical.” 

The people in our school find ways to make safe spaces with their friends Aleya Berry said, “A favorite memory I have is sitting by the mural every day at 1st or 5th period and having all of my friends come say hi to me as they leave class or even stay with me to talk throughout those hours. I’d set up the gates so it was our group in a nice space next to the wall to talk and make jokes. It’s one of the highlights of my year because they mean so much to me and the mural has been one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve made throughout the year.”