This June, seniors are graduating, moving forward in the next chapter of their lives, whether it’s heading off to college, starting a
career, or pursuing personal passions. This transition marks a huge milestone, reflecting on years of hard work, determination, and growth. What has been the driving force to bring these students to this point? In four years of high school people mature and develop at an accelerated pace as individuals.
The class of 2024 has experienced setbacks most students have not had to experience, especially when it came to the transition from online school because of the global pandemic, to going back in person.
“I think Covid was a kind of reset,” said Kyan Brewer, a senior at SWHS who experienced the shockwave that covid brought on students and teachers alike. “Everybody got used to being inside and got to brush school off their shoulders for a year so. It was a bit of a shock for everyone when school started again. In hindsight, I think for me personally it was good that I got that time away to learn about myself.” Just like many across the world, his high school and overall life was dramatically impacted.
“The thing that has changed the most about me is my social and self awareness. I kind of had to grow into myself a little bit and learn to love myself more than validation from other kids,”
Brewer says he realized the personal growth in not having to seek approval from others first but being true to himself.
“Qualifying for state in track was one of the happiest moments of my time in high school,” said Brewer who hit his PR of 6’2” on high jump and barely missed hitting 6’4”, highlighting his major athletic improvement.
Ellianne Meyer, a senior at SWHS, also underwent a noticeable shift as she matured. She began to feel as though she had outgrownthe social aspect in high school.
“I think through the years of high school I’ve matured a lot. I outgrew a lot of people here and more so, their actions,” said Meyer who feels that the pandemic affected her relationships from the years prior. “Covid has affected some friendships and my overall wantto be at school,” said Meyer.
She realized during quarantine that physical presence wasn’t always necessary to accomplish her work. Meyer however, still looks forward to preparing for the last dance of highschool experience.
“My favorite experience in high school would be getting all ready for dances, even if I didn’t actually make it in the doors to some of them!,” said Meyer.
