As the seniors at Orono High School enter their final semester, a mix of emotions fills the air: anticipation, nostalgia, and a touch of apprehension. This moment marks the end of their high school journey when the seniors reflect on the memories, friendships forged, and lessons learned.

Seniors are on it to ensure they have top priorities in check to finish strong. Senior Connor Murphy said, “ I just want to enjoy the last semester of high school and be more carefree.”

With graduation inching closer daily, these seniors are excited for new beginnings ready to step into the next chapter of their lives. Senior Jackson Woodburn said he wants to “enjoy every moment with my friends and classmates.”

As the seniors prepare for graduation, reflecting on their favorite aspects of high school contributes to the experience they remember.

Senior Ethan Koch said, “My favorite class was probably Public Speaking.” But for many students, there are popular favorites when it comes to classes; the responses are always diverse but share something in common: the freedom and space to work independently.

When it comes to classes that students enjoy, it’s essential that they are given the space to be able to work productively for some; this means taking the time to branch out independently and write articles on their own time, Murphy said, “I like journalism a lot because it’s a very independent class and J2 is blended as well.”

Having freedom is an essential part of easing students into the real world. For seniors, blended classes have been a significant part of the year, allowing students to do classwork independently. Senior Caden Barnes said, “I enjoy my blended classes the most because they give you that realistic college class feel.”

Woodburn added, “I really like the teachers. They are super welcoming and easy, fun to talk to.” He continued to say that he had “no new classes I’m crazy looking forward to, but I’m excited for study hall to leave early.”

Teachers have had a positive impact on the class of 2024, and they help students learn through not just one method but many different loopholes. The teachers find ways to connect with students on many levels, creating a bond that motivates students to want to do well in class.

Koch said, “I will miss Mr. Alex. I know he can be strict, but I liked how he taught, and I feel like I learned a lot in that class.”

It’s clear that when it comes to liking teachers, it all comes down to how the student is. Some students appreciate teachers who are more harsh and push them to greatness. While other students like teachers who are more personable and laid back.

Barnes gave the opposite opinion: “I like Mrs.Nohner because she’s a great teacher who gives great energy to the classroom to make it both a great learning environment and a fun environment.”

The Orono High School seniors look forward to semester two since they take on new challenges and learning experiences with classes. Barnes said he wanted to take “forensics because it sounds like a fascinating topic, and everyone I have asked says it’s a great course.”

But for students like Murphy, he said, “I’m taking the second half of college accounting. I greatly like the people in that class, which makes it fun.”

The class of 2024 is inching closer to graduation, and students are eager to get on with the last semester but also enjoy it while it lasts; Koch said he was focused on “staying on top of my work and having fun,” which is always an essential factor to finishing out the rest of the school year strong!