There’s a different feeling in the halls of Old Rochester Regional High School after the seniors depart. For starters, the aforementioned halls are much clearer, making it easier to get to classes, especially in the English wing where the seniors used to reside. Also, with the seniors gone, the end of the year is near for underclassmen, making beach days and sleeping-in closer to reality.
The juniors have begun to realize that senior year is fast approaching, and the Class of 2016 is ready for the challenge. Now the leaders of the school, a couple of next year’s graduates, explained their feelings regarding both their junior year, and the anticipation for their final year as a Bulldog.
Junior year serves as a bridge between the relative insignificance of sophomore year – a topic of senior class historian Ashley Pacheco’s recent Senior Assembly speech – and the all-important senior year. However, there are some important memories to be made before the final year commences.
Jared Wheeler acknowledged this, citing the junior semi-formal dance as one of his favorite memories of junior year. When asked to sum up the feeling of being a senior in one word, he chose “bittersweet.”
Looking ahead to senior year, Wheeler has a few events he is excited about.
“The day at Ned’s Point and the Senior Trip are what I’m most looking forward to next year,” he said.
Olivia McDonald also named the junior semi as her junior year high point. She described her feelings towards graduation as “anxious, but excited.”
McDonald is looking forward to graduating from high school, but wants to enjoy what senior year has to offer. The Ned’s Point Senior Day, which usually takes place in September, is her most anticipated senior event.
Evan Portelance had plenty to say about his penultimate year of high school. He referenced the increasing freedom in choosing classes as one of his favorite parts of the experience.
“I also enjoyed the fact that because I became an upperclassman, I got more respect as a person from my teachers,” said Portelance.
Portelance is also excited about a slightly different senior-oriented event.
“Without a doubt, [the event I’m most looking forward to is] Mr. ORR because I had a fantastic time spectating it this year. I look forward to hopefully competing in it next year,” he said.
Considering his impending graduation, Portelance described himself as both nervous and excited, while looking even farther beyond high school.
“I have no idea where I’ll be emotionally, spiritually, and physically even five years from now. A lot can happen and a lot can change,” Portelance said.
Senior year is sure to bring equal parts emotion and pleasure for the Class of 2016. Though some may be excited to receive their diploma and head to “the real world,” others will look back fondly on the time they spent at ORRHS. Until then, the current crop of juniors are accepting their roles as leaders of the school and preparing for a fun-filled summer.
By Patrick Briand
