Photo Credit: Clip Art Panda

I’m sure we can all agree that freshman year is a scary year. The jump from middle school to high school is definitely a big one: bigger expectations, bigger workload, and definitely bigger responsibilities. Freshman Isabelle Arevalo survived her first quarter in high school. When asked how the quarter went, she responded, “It was a rough start at first, but the quarter shaped up after all.” Isabelle proudly revealed her achievement of Distinguished Honors. “I’m really glad that all my hard work paid off! My plan is to work harder than last quarter, and my goal is to achieve Distinguished Honors again second quarter.”

Photo Credit: Clip Art Best

Sophomore year is not any easier than freshman year. They are no longer the babies of the school and teachers expect more from them. These students begin to experience late night study sessions and coffee begins to play a huge role in their lives. Sophomore Jada Gotay stated her First Quarter experience. “This year is definitely different than last year. Teachers are definitely expecting more and the workload has definitely increased.” Jada is proud to say that she has achieved Honors this quarter and hopes to achieve Distinguished Honors next quarter. “Although the work can be overwhelming, I’m just looking forward to the two weeks I have off for Christmas Break!”

Photo Credit: Houzz

Junior year is often considered one of the most crucial years in high school. Becoming an upperclassman comes with more than just the title. With the endless standardized testing plus the introduction of rigorous AP Courses, junior year can often feel like a never-ending cycle of studying, eating, sleeping, and drinking coffee. At this point in high school, it is safe to say that coffee becomes a girl’s best friend. Junior, Catherine Implicito, has survived the first quarter of this crazy year. “There’s no doubt that this year is a lot of work, but I’m just taking it one day at a time!” Catherine explained that she is shocked that she’s already more than half way done with high school. Catherine also touched on the positives of being a junior, “Junior year means class rings and junior prom.” Laughing, Catherine stated, “Honestly, when I’m stressed out I just take some time to look for prom dresses!”

Photo Credit: Ed Navigators

Finally, senior year is as crazy as junior year, maybe even crazier. The rigorous workload continues and on top of that, it’s time to apply for college. Everything that you have worked for throughout your four years of high school is put to the test. Seniors have earned their three stripes on that senior sweater. Senior London Armstrong reflected on this past quarter. “The beginning of the year was definitely stressful since you not only have to worry about your grades, but also applications. But once your first acceptance letter comes in, the feeling of accomplishment is indescribable!” London did not fail to mention the perks about being a senior! “It’s impossible to forget the senior privileges!” London explained that she is sad that she is almost done with high school and hopes these next three quarters will not fly by as quickly as her first three years of high school did!

By Christine Jacob ’17, Features Senior Editor