The school year has flown by, filled with countless cherished memories and invaluable new friendships. As the semester comes to an end, it is a mix of emotions knowing that we will soon have to say goodbye to the familiar faces that have become important to us. Nonetheless, we cannot help but be grateful for the remarkable experiences we have shared together.

As we reflect on the past few months, we realize how much we have grown both academically and personally. It is bittersweet to think that this chapter of our lives is coming to a close, but we are eager to embrace the future and carry cherished memories with us.

Our freshman cannot believe how fast their first year of high school has passed.

“I feel like it was really fast, like I don’t even remember last semester, it went that fast,” Mckaya Little (’27) said. “I think my favorite part was participating in various school activities such as band, basketball, track, football games, FCA and other things.”

The freshman embraced the challenges of high school, readily adapted and experienced exponential growth throughout the year. They made strong friendships and welcomed new opportunities to grow personally and academically.

Sophomores are filled with excitement as they eagerly await the arrival of their next school year as upperclassmen. They have spent the past two years building friendships, exploring new interests and navigating the challenges of high school, all preparing them for the responsibilities that come with being upperclassmen. Now, they are ready to take on leadership roles, tackle advanced coursework and make lasting memories in their final years of high school.

“I can’t believe that I am already halfway through high school, it has felt like the longest years ever, yet I feel like they flew by,” Kaden J. Pyatt (’26) said. “I have had the time of my life in high school. I can’t wait for what my next two years have for me.”

Pyatt’s enthusiasm and excitement are palpable, reflecting growth and fulfillment he has experienced during his time as a sophomore. With his positive outlook, Pyatt is poised to continue thriving socially and personally in the upcoming years of high school.

As junior year approaches, some sophomores are already thinking about their future plans, including colleges and careers. The high school experience is a pivotal time for shaping one’s future.

“I’m most excited about the college classes I will be taking junior year with dual enrollment, and I am excited about the people I will meet there,” Faith Hall (’26) said. “My goal is to graduate high school with my associate’s degree.”

Hall plans to major in civil engineering with a minor in management engineering and psychology. “I’ve always been very creative and good at math and science and I feel that engineering is a field where I can use my strengths and enjoy solving problems for people,” Hall said.

Speaking of junior year, our juniors are absolutely ecstatic to realize that they are going to be seniors next year. They cannot believe how far they have come and are brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on their last year of high school.

Some students are having mixed emotions as they think about their time in high school as they get closer to their senior year. The anticipation of entering their final year and the pressure to maintain good grades while making lasting memories with friends is a common theme among incoming seniors.

“It’s kind of scary because it (high school) is almost over because I feel like it went by really quickly,” Regan Clercx (’25) said. “Keeping my grades up and just having fun with my friends is a major goal for senior year for me.”

Graduation is an exciting time for seniors as they celebrate their achievements and get ready for the next steps in their lives. It is a moment of pride for the students, their families, teachers, and the entire school community.

“Teaching these seniors has been nothing but joy. When North Point opened up, we had a group of students who could have stayed at Holt but took a chance on us and came to our program,” David Aubuchon, assistant band director said. “Being a high school teacher (and especially one where we have students all throughout their time at school) is filled with the mixed emotion of sadness and happiness because while we are sad to see them leave, we are filled with happiness watching them grow up and become who they are today.”

After years of hard work, graduating seniors can reflect on their achievements and cherish the memories they have made. When they walk across the stage and receive their diplomas, they embark on a journey filled with opportunities and possibilities.

“I’m a lot sadder than I thought I would be,” Isabelle Kallbrier (’24) said. “At the beginning of the year, I thought I was excited, but now I want to cry every day because it’s all over.”

Kalbrier, like many others, feels a tinge of sadness as she comes to the realization that her high school journey is about to come to an end.

Many seniors are going off to college to expand their knowledge for a career they want to pursue. Students like Dominic Humphress (’24), who aspires to become a police officer, and Katelyn Ulicne (’24), who has a passion for teaching, are actively working towards achieving their dreams. They are going to embark on new adventures in their chosen careers. Despite the bittersweet feelings of leaving familiar places and faces, they are eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead.

As the school year draws to a close, we are eagerly anticipating the expansion of our program. We are excited to welcome a new wave of eighth graders who will be entering high school next year. We are thrilled to witness the growth and development of our school community. The upcoming years promise to be filled with new experiences, learning opportunities and personal growth for all.