For years, incoming freshmen have heard the phrase, “High school will be over before you know it.” Many brush it off and ignore it because it seems like there is still an eternity left ahead, but I can confirm that everything they tell you is true. It felt like just yesterday that I was nervously walking into this big building for the very first time, not knowing how to get to any of my classes and feeling like everyone was watching me. Now, instead of being nervous about walking in the halls, I am terrified of walking across the stage at graduation, leaving behind this crucial experience. It’s a surreal feeling that many won’t understand until they actually experience it, but it can feel like your whole life has passed you by. 

With the end of the school year creeping ever closer, many seniors are reminiscing on their experiences and preparing for the future. They are experiencing the bittersweet feeling of leaving this part of life behind and moving on to better things, looking forward to the senior festivities and looking back on all of the good memories. They are taking part in senior backpacks, senior survivor and final graduation walkouts at their elementary schools to celebrate their last moments of childhood.

Whether they are going off to college, the military, trade school or a job, many seniors are about to experience one of the biggest changes of their lives. Some students stay close to home, others move across the country, and some travel as far as other continents. Wherever they end up, they will learn to become more independent, resilient and strong so they can start their lives as adults. 

While Howell may not have always looked like the perfect movie school, this year was still one for the books. Many clubs and sports dominated, creating a successful year to remember. Clubs like DECA and FBLA finished well at State and Internationals. We also had many sports teams travel to State competitions and come through with wins. Even new clubs like Epsilon Beta succeeded in winning several competitions. 

It can be easy to focus on finishing school and getting everything over with, but once graduation comes around, seniors often find themselves wishing they had more time. It’s important to make the most of the little bit of time left and not let the pressure of senior year take over. People often look back and regret the things they didn’t take a chance on, so take advantage of every opportunity, because this is the last time you truly get to be a kid. 

For all the students who are returning to Howell next year, participate in those spirit weeks, join those clubs, go to those events. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, put yourself out there, make new friends and live life to the fullest.