It’s the beginning of a brand new school year, and for the class of 2019, it’s also the beginning of their last year of high school. Even though graduation is months away, this could still be considered the busiest time of the year for the seniors. Not only do they have the normal tasks that come with the start of every school year (homework, tests, fall sports, etc.), they also have a whole new list of time-consuming activities. This list includes: filling out applications, making sure test scores are in a competitive range, creating activities resumes, and scrambling for letters of recommendation.

With all of this extra work, the senior class hardly has time to stop and think about how all of this preparation and planning is making them feel.  HHS students have looked forward to their senior year since the very first time they walked through the arch leading to the front doors of the high school. Now that this final time is actually here, how do they feel about it? In a verbal survey, where the seniors were asked whether they were more happy or sad about graduating, 44 out of the 50 surveyed said that they were happy. Some of the students laughed at the question, as if the answer were obvious, while others were torn, stating that this was the only life they knew, and it would be hard to move on. Senior Lillian Kish, had this to say on the matter: “It is sad, but I’m excited because we have lots of new opportunities ahead of us.”

Many of the seniors agreed that they’re looking forward to all of the exciting activities that make up this final year. Senior Savannah Riggleman remarked, “I am mostly looking forward to Senior Band Night and prom.” At Senior Night, the senior members of the marching band will get to walk down the field with their parents, and each individual student will be announced to the crowd before the game. Many of the clubs and sports at Hubbard have similar activities reserved for the seniors that really make this year feel special for them. Senior prom is also something that this class has been eagerly waiting for. If one listens closely in the halls, he or she can already hear some of the students excitedly chatting about what they want to wear and what they want to do after.

By now, most of the seniors have decided where they want to go or what they want to do after high school. For most, it’s college, trade school, the military or full-time employment. However, some students are still undecided, and some haven’t accepted the fact that they’re at the point in their lives where they need to formulate a plan. When asked what her plans are after graduation, Senior Chase Shorette said, “I want to go to a college near my family in New York and study Criminal Justice.” Chase is one of the more ambitious students, having already applied to three colleges. Others are still filling out applications and working on their test scores. Seniors, the guidance counselors have said it enough, but here’s another reminder: pay attention to deadlines!!!

Everyone always says that senior year goes by fast, and it’s already the second month of the school year. Soon enough, the seniors will be walking through the doors of Hubbard High School for the last time. Whether you’re one of the students who are counting down the days until graduation, or the students who are determined to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, time is going to fly by, and the class of 2019 is ready to make the most of it.