SHS Seniors Look Forward and Back

On Monday, June 3, SHS seniors congregated at the high school for the first time since they scattered to work on their Senior Options assignments. The school held a "Senior Transition Day," to give seniors a chance to reconnect with their classmates and look to the future. The day consisted of three parts, to give seniors an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in Scarsdale, provide insight for the next four years away at college and celebrate their final weeks as students.

In the morning, the entire senior class met in the auditorium and was greeted by several SHS alumni who have just finished their freshman year at college. Representatives from different types of schools all over the country, including University of Texas at Austin, Bard College, Boston College, University of Wisconsin, Bucknell University and more, sat on stage and spoke about their experiences transitioning to college. Dean Iosepovici and the seniors were invited to ask questions on any subject, from academics to the college social life. "The College Freshman Experience" Q & A gave seniors key information and tips on life in college, such as doing homework while waiting to finish your laundry, and several funny moments where the entire auditorium erupted in laughter. When the subject of drug use on campus arose, one panelist joked, "I don't see why people need drugs, you can have plenty of fun just drinking!" After a few lessons and a few laughs, seniors left the auditorium and headed into smaller groups organized by dean.

While the Q & A in the morning was focused on the future, meetings with the high school deans focused on the past four years. Seniors and their deans discussed things they learned about themselves through high school, how they've grown, and significant events they've experienced. Seniors made excellent observations and comments and many sparked room-wide discussions. In addition, seniors also wrote articles to teachers they wanted to thank and to incoming high school freshmen.

Then, seniors all reconvened in gyms A & B for the "Transition Lunch," catered by Buon Amici. Everybody scattered around the bleachers and spent several hours signing yearbooks and reminiscing about memories from the past four years. There were also class pictures from every grade at each elementary school and middle school for seniors posted on the gym walls to view. For each senior, it was an enjoyable break and a great way to close the school year before prom on Thursday.

Thanks to Mona Longman, Beth Shabto and the entire committee for making a memorable afternoon for graduating seniors.
Check out the picture gallery here with photos by senior Becky Schwartz.

This article was contributed by Brian Shabto, a senior at Scarsdale High School.

01/19