From ordering caps and gowns, to locking in prom dates and committing to schools, it seems the end of the school year is approaching all too fast. It feels like just yesterday we were all cheery little sophomores, ecstatic about finally coming out of that hybrid learning period. But now, we’re high school graduates looking out towards our bright futures.
Class of 2024’s Salutatorian Carlos Garcia is currently gearing up for a summer of fun before heading off to Harvard University.
“If I had to describe my high school experience in one word, it’d be enjoyable.”
Though Garcia spent lots of time volunteering for events and participating in honor societies; he spent most of his years on the football field as a linebacker from freshman to senior year.
“I think I’m always going to remember being on that team,” Garcia said. “It’s my biggest non-academic achievement.”
Reflecting on his experiences in high school, Garcia notes that graduating is bittersweet.
“To freshman I say: Take it all step by step. It goes by so fast, enjoy the moments. I feel good about moving on, but I don’t know if I’ll ever really be ready.”
Though many students are sad to go and unsure of the readiness for what comes next, many are also over the moon about the next chapter. Students like Aurora Portillo are thrilled to finally flip the page.
“High school was probably the most enlightening period of my life,” Portillo said.
“I won my first performing artist awards, discovered my passions, made lots of mistakes and learned from them. Honestly, I’d say I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
The same goes for
Christian Rodriguez, incoming Suffolk County Community College student whose outlook was a lot more easygoing. His mantra? Work hard but remember to relax.
“I’m not too sentimental about it,” Rodriguez said. “I think it’s just a small steppingstone to the greater part of life. High School could’ve been a lot easier if I just didn’t sweat the small stuff.”
While there are mixed feelings on the readiness of throwing that cap in the air, everyone can agree on one thing: there may be some sadness but, overall, there is gratitude.
Thank you, Brentwood High School. Don’t miss us too much.