As May swings by and the 2024-2025 school year comes to a close, students and teachers start to think about all that they hope to do during our summer break. Whether it be preparing for the next grade, or taking a step back to relax, we know that many are looking forward to such a time!
Upcoming Vacations
Picture this: waking up to a salty sea breeze next to the ocean, sipping a cool drink on the side, and hearing the seagulls squawk. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Let’s remember though that a vacation doesn’t always have to be sea salt and sand, it could be the complete opposite. While interviewing many individuals from WHS, we found that a number of them will be leaving Maryland, either it being to visit family or to spend time with those close to them. Jake M will be spending some time in Iceland with his family. He said he’s most looking forward to seeing the film locations of Star Wars, and visiting national parks. Mrs. Reddigton, our media center specialist, is going on an Alaskan cruise with her family and some friends they met while traveling a few years ago, “Yeah, since we’ve met them we’ve done lots of vacations with them. Like travel buddies!”
Staying Close..
Several of the students and staff will be staying close to home for the summer. They can’t wait for the quiet early mornings with no blaring alarms, and the warm weather to hang out in. With all the new free time and no traveling, we were curious to know how they would occupy their time. Conor R, plans to keep himself at home for summer swim. Shaya R is keeping herself busy this summer with plans for herself, like dying her hair and going to the pool. She also has multiple family reunions planned, in addition to wanting to help out her community — “I’m going to intern at my mom’s job, she works at a PT office.”
Like Shaya, there are many other students who’ll be filling up their schedule by volunteering or working a summer job. With school no longer in session there’s more time and more opportunities open to you. It’s a good chance to keep up your learning, gain skills, and live new experiences. Joshua N will be working as a lifeguard this summer, and seems to be looking forward to it: “I’m feeling excited. I did it last year, and I had a good time.” . We also know a couple of students that will be volunteering at local aid organizations, helping out at summer camps, participating in school programs, and much more. One student revealed that she’ll be tutoring kids in math over the summer, on top of applying for a job. Dominic N volunteers at a food bank on Mondays, he helps to pick out and bring food to people. Dominic enjoys his time there, “the people are nice, and it’s good to help others,” and what’s better than being active in your community, right?
New Beginnings
At its core, WHS is its own community. Our fellow classmates stand by our sides, supporting and connecting with each other as everyone goes through our own social and emotional challenges, and as well as our teachers being a helping hand whenever we ask for it. We’ve seen each other grow lots over the years — and that’s why we are beyond proud of this year’s graduating class. The class of 2025 graduated May 29th, and are starting a new chapter in their lives this summer.
We went around asking WHS seniors what their plans were for the summer knowing it must be a bittersweet feeling for them. Fatima shared with us, “I’m probably going to visit family in Argentina, and I’m planning to spend time with my friends, have fun before college starts.” And actually, taking a trip after graduation is a common way to celebrate and mark the end of your high school years! Drew S told us he has an upcoming trip to Ocean City with his friends to celebrate. Shane G intends to go on trips with his friends too, but is also focused on work and applying to colleges! The summer after high school is a good time to start transitioning into the next step of your life. Wyatt W will be starting his new job as a mechanic, and is feeling good about this upcoming summer — “I feel well prepared, high school taught me a lot,”
This summer break is a time to relax, grow, and celebrate. We look back on the 2024-2025 school year, take everything we’ve learned, and make the most of it.
