Conducted in March, the day-long Senior Symposium
was designed to be an academic pep rally of sorts,
providing students with valuable lessons on
important topics. Local dignitaries and community
volunteers, ranging from District Attorney David
Soares to Board of Education member Sarah
Hafensteiner and high school teacher and dive master
Kyle Kearney, taught valuable lessons during a
series of sessions.
The sessions
focused on the serious - money management and self
image -to the not-so-serious - a demonstration by an
extreme pogoist - to career choices, such as film
production and underwater diving.
Class Co-Advisor Amy McHugh said "it got
students thinking of professions, and unique
experiences they might encounter or want to pursue
after graduating."
"Too many times we are focus all of our
energy on academics, and lose the idea our
graduates need real-life experiences which will
promote individual growth and independence; all of
which will lead to fulfilling, productive lives as
adults after high school," McHugh added.
The May 21 Chalk-a-Palooza saw dozens of
seniors create intricate art-work and designs on the
otherwise bland sidewalks of the middle and high
school campus.
The day-long event
led to many renderings and creations that
highlighted the artistic abilities of the students.
"The students made beautiful artwork
on the sidewalk and the event highlighted the talent
and maturity of the seniors," said class Co-Advisor
Erika Heiner.
The senior class also enjoyed a revived
senior cafeteria that allowed them a separate area
of the cafeteria to eat and socialize in. Though not
new, the cafeteria last year did dissolve as the
school year progressed.
Though not limited
to seniors, a tolerance wall was also created in the
high school as a result of the idea and desire of
senior
Heather Slurff.
The wall
includes 75 student
and community member designed ceramic tiles
that depict the theme
of tolerance, diversity and acceptance.
Located
in the cafeteria wing of the school, the wall will
serve as a point of conversation and thought for
years to come and will be expanded in future years.
.
I would like to piggy-back what Erika
said. I did not have a whole lot to do
with the Senior Symposium, but it got
students thinking of professions, and
unique experiences they might encounter
or want to pursue after graduating. One
thing that I thought was very beneficial
was the presenters who discussed ways to
approach job interviews, and how to
conduct oneself as a professional. I
think
Chalk-a-Palooza was great! We were
amazed at the creative talent. It was a
wonderful way for the kids to come
together in a very relaxed atmosphere.
The best part was being outside! We had
numerous comments and compliments about
the works of art, student behavior and
the simple fact that they got to do
something fun and rejuvenating. In the
morning the kids enjoyed bagels (donated
by Panerra Bread), and like Erika said,
ice cream sundaes in the afternoon
(donated by Stewarts Shops).
I don’t know anything about the senior
café. You will have to ask Hakim.
The senior trip was perfect. The kids
were superb, the weather was great – it
was just a fabulous day. The kids had a
fantastic time, but we were all
completely exhausted by the end of the
day.
We are looking forward to graduation.
This is a fantastic bunch of kids. They
are very respectful, mature and just fun
to be around.
Hi Mike,
Senior Symposium was put on by Dr.
Barone, Mr. Jones, Karen Teale, and
Sue Karmo (to name a few). The
seniors really enjoyed this day and
it was a great experience for the
students. I would personally say
that I think the symposium offered
the students a unique day that
turned their focus towards “life
after high school”.
The Chalk a palooza was the idea of
senior Cody Madson and followed up
by Karen Teale. Amy and I helped
organize it and it was an AMAZING
day! The students made beautiful
artwork on the sidewalk and the
event highlighted the talent and
maturity of the seniors. The day
ended with ice cream sundaes donated
by Stewarts in Selkirk and brought
the students together.
I’m not sure about the senior café –
maybe Hakim can speak to that.
Not a first, but the senior trip was
completely flawless and the students
behaved wonderfully. The
Baccalaureate service was
OUTSTANDING- the students performed
in and organized a wonderful service
at the Bethlehem Reformed Church.
I can’t think of any more firsts,
but maybe Amy and Hakim can add to
this list.
Thanks!
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