Lakeland Regional High School’s Class of 2025 left an inspirational mark for underclassmen – advice on how to have the best high school experience possible.
Enjoy It.
Senior Cameron Chapman says, “Enjoy being a kid in high school because it goes so fast.” Chapman means not to get stressed on unnecessary things; there is always time for that later in life!
Senior Nicolas Grossi recommended students to “take everything one thing at a time [and try to] appreciate some aspect of [every] class.” If you try to find a positive in classes that might not be your favorite, it makes everyday better!
Prioritize Your Mental Health.
Raven Roth, senior, mentions that it’s important to remember that there is so much more to high school than grades and popularity, and you should prioritize your mental health over anything. Grossi adds to this by saying, “…it’s easy to get caught up and have it absorb every working moment until it feels like everything revolves around it.”
(Reena Rose Sibayan/Special To NorthJersey.com)
Get Involved.
Of those interviewed, one theme stood out in their responses: Get Involved! Whether it be sports, clubs, or out of school activities, seniors said they would benefit your future and broaden your horizons. Allow yourself to go out into the world and experience activities and hobbies you may like; you might find a new passion. Senior Colin Sabric recommends to “join any sport that you are interested in or whatever sport you enjoy playing.”
If you are on the fence about a sport, Chapman recommends playing football, while Roth recommends joining theater and video clubs.
Senior Mia Conway tried something new her senior year. She shares, “I tried theater for the first time this year and it was such a welcoming environment. I’d recommend it if [you are] looking for something to do without worrying too much about time consumption or skill.”
Take School Work Seriously.
To the delight of the staff, seniors, like Chapman, also shared that underclassmen should also be respectful to teachers and pay attention during class, as it will benefit you when going through testing and finals.
Assignments in high school are important, granted, but a way you can manage school and your social life is having good time management. According to Roth, a way you can be responsible and have good time management when it comes to homework and assignments is to download school apps that remind you about assignments and their due dates. This will make all the difference since teachers usually take points off for late assignments and deduction of points could significantly impact your grade.
Senior Will Helphingstine shares, “I write everything down in a notebook planner and that has helped tremendously” Helphingstine also added that it “helps to check your ‘to-do’ on Google Classroom every single night.” This is great advice that helps keep you organized and on track to getting your work done on time.
Choose Friends Wisely.
Roth says, “Choose friends wisely and get good friends you can trust.” Many upperclassmen like Roth said making good friends will help you get through your high school experience.
Remember that it’s okay to let some go or drift off. Keep the really close friends; they will always be there through the rough and great times in your life.
Advice for the Class of 2026
(LRHS)
Before they know it, the Class of 2026 will be the ones wearing the caps and gowns. The seniors impart some important advice for them:
Although “senioritis” is inevitable, juniors should always be on top of their work, and also get their college applications done as soon as possible. According to senior Vince D’Orilia, a college- or work-bound senior often stays focused, and reaches out for extra help when needed, for it goes a long way. D’Orilia said, “The work to prepare for college doesn’t stop after you commit, so don’t ignore it.”
For those upcoming seniors who might be stressing or not fully enjoying their high school experience, Grossi shares, “This little period of time makes up a fraction of a percentage of our lives, even if it feels like the most important thing in the world at this moment.” Do your best to enjoy your time left in high school, but remember that there is a whole lot of life left following it. Grossi also pointed out to not worry so much senior year, and that it’s okay to not have a plan going into senior year. Everyone moves at a different pace.
Friendships will change in the upcoming year, especially if you and your friends are going to a different college or taking different paths, and that’s okay! As long as your bond is strong, a friendship can withstand time and distance.
Overall advice: Take everything in stride, and don’t rush or slack off just because the year is almost over. The year goes by faster than you think, so get all your work done and then live your life to the fullest!
