High school can be intimidating, with its unfamiliar faces, challenging coursework, and overwhelming expectations. Recently, school has been under a negative connotation – different studies such as Yale Study have researched why students dread going to school every day. We understand that navigating this transition can be exhausting and daunting, especially for incoming ninth graders. But fear not – your seniors are here to help! Here are some valuable pieces of advice from the class of 2025:
Courtney Haire
Co-President of the YEC, Saint John’s Youth Group, SADD Member
“Take advantage of your resources. Seeing my teachers in the morning and during free periods for extra help and using the Writing Center has helped me a lot”
Kate Fahrman and Lila Brendler
Geography Club Treasurer and President
“Don’t stress about making friends, you’ll find your people when you’re not searching for them. High school is a long four years, you won’t always keep the same friends, and that’s okay”
Photo By: Mitch Flix
Gavin Samame
Boy’s Varsity Hockey, New Wave Mentor, Person-to-Person Volunteer, Lego Organization
“Get to know your teachers and build connections with them”
Grace Knightly
Co-President of the YEC, Team Leader of Science National Honors Society, DECA Resource Officer
“The most important thing is not to procrastinate. Studying ahead of time, especially for tests and quizzes, has helped me to be more prepared for my classes”
Photo By: Andrew Hershey
Jude Jacques
Boy’s Varsity Basketball Captain
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The time flies, have fun, and don’t take it for granted”
Yenairis Frias
Student Body President, Girls Indoor and Outdoor Track Captain, World Language Honor Society, Trinity College Alumni Book Award Winner, A Better Chance Scholar
“One piece of advice I would give to freshmen (sic.) is to get involved in as many clubs and organizations as possible. The school is filled with great opportunities to try new things and find what truly interests you. Personally, I was interested in student government and I was able to work my way up to class president to be the voice of my classmates”
Hope Jackson
Girls Varsity Soccer, Girls Varsity Squash Captain, Girls Varsity Track, Marine Biologist Research Assistant, Saint John’s Youth Group
“Establish good time management skills. Being a three-sport athlete, I needed to be on top of my responsibilities to balance sports and school. Joining sports teams is also something I think everyone should do! My favorite part of my high school experience was the time I spent with my teammates”
Photo By: Mitch Flix
Jackson Davenport
Boys Varsity Football Captain, College Football Recruit
“Stay on top of your school work and continue to make more friends. Try new things and see what you enjoy doing”
Ellie LaForce
Co-President of YEC Volunteers, Secretary of SADD, Girls Varsity Hockey, Girls Varsity Outdoor Track
“Join extracurriculars! It is a great way to get involved with your community and meet new friends. It is also a great way to pursue your interests as a teenager, they’re aren’t many opportunities to do that at our age”
Kelsey Deriso
Vice President of National Honors Society, Blue Wave Mentor, Girls Outdoor Track, World Competing Irish Step Dancer
“I would tell freshman (sic.) to involve themselves in things they are truly interested in and not to try to force any passions or interests. Try not to overdo or overwhelm yourself by joining too many clubs or activities just for resume sake. Art is a passion of mine, and I was able to pursue that through AP classes and the art club at DHS”
Take it from your current seniors, high school isn’t as scary as it seems! If you follow your passions, take advantage of Darien High’s amazing opportunities, and embrace the friendships along the way, you might find that high school isn’t only manageable and fun!
