Everything about high school is memorable— the good, the bad and the ugly. With so many new activities, people, and expectations thrust upon you as you enter high school, it can be hard to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet as the seniors inch closer and closer towards graduation, they are able to get a clearer picture of their exit, and look back at the memories they have made along the way. From marching band mishaps to laughter with friends— the seniors explore some of their most memorable moments throughout their high school careers and offer words of advice to the future of Somerville High School. 

SPORTS MEMORIES

“My favorite sport memory was probably during sophomore year of swimming. We had a late night swim meet starting at 8:30 against Bernards. I was already exhausted before it started, so Cooper Lutz decided to buy me a lemonade Monster Energy for me to have on the condition that I chug it right before my 500 M Free race. I of course never back down from a challenge, and did so only to feel horribly nauseous. I somehow completed the race, however, and got 2nd place, and when I hopped out of the water Gucker looked at me and went “You look like the Wicked Witch of the West!” I immediately laughed, threw up, then continued to swim 2 more events. It was a really fun meet!” – Luke Bursack, ‘25

“I remember walking on the field with the marching band at Metlife Stadium, and seeing the amount of people in the stands. This group of people has changed my life, and I will never forget my experiences here.” – Brianna Hannum, ‘25

“My favorite memory is playing field hockey and beating Montgomery for the first time in years for the program. Also playing with some of the girls who are also going to play field hockey in college which made us a lot closer this year.” – Leah Ulmer, ‘25

“At the final performance of my Freshman Year marching band show, my shoe came untied at some point, and I had no choice but to successfully long-jump to my spot for that part of the show.” – Sean Yates, ‘25

“I played soccer for Somerville High School and my favorite memory was beating the #2 seeded team in states when we were seeded at #10” – Kaitlynn Silvestri, ‘25

GENERAL MEMORIES 

“The entirety of Mr. Degeorges’ AP Computer Science A class; I would come in everyday and learn something useful/interesting about coding with some of my friends while also completing fun but challenging projects to improve my skills. After the AP exam, we were even allowed to pursue a project of our choice and complete it with Mr. Degeorges’ help.” – Mathias Evans, ‘25 

“My favorite Somerville High School related memory is having Mrs. Rath in “Rathematics” which is the nickname of her math class that feels very energetic.” – Owen Confer, ‘25

“I remember in Ms. McDonald’s class my friend and I were working on a simulation about the Island hopping technique the USA used in WW2 against Japan. I was in charge of the number of troops we had. In the end we ended up with a negative number of troops but later we discovered that I miss counted and lost us like 8,000 troops. My friend and I then joked that I would be a terrible treasurer. We were also confused on how it happened but both laughed about it after and we told our teacher what happened and she laughed with us about it. I enjoyed her class a lot. We learned and had fun while learning in Ms. McDonald’s history class.” – Katherine Decker, ‘25

“I loved helping run the Battle of the Classes event at the end of the year! The Student Council organizes this pep rally for the school, and I loved setting up, running, and planning the event. A lot of students love the event, and it is great to be able to get students so involved and engaged in boosting school spirit!” – Madeline Senate, ‘25

“My favorite high school memory is not a specific moment, but the true friends I’ve made along the way. I’m so grateful to have those few close friends who were always there for me when I needed them most. To me, that’s what will forever be most memorable.” – Scarlett Berger, ‘25

ADVICE FOR THEIR FRESHMAN SELVES

“I would tell my freshman self to ask for help when she needs it. I would push her to be in uncomfortable situations, since they have only helped me grow. The uncomfortable atmosphere when being confused at extra help, you push through it and always leave with a better understanding of the material. I would also tell myself to go to school events more. They are easily accessible and you can go with  your friends.”  – Aylin Mondragon, ‘25

“Be open to talking to anyone.” – Savannah Young, ‘25

“Lock in more and don’t mess around.” – Kris Mitchell, ‘25

“I’d tell my freshman self to stop doubting yourself and give yourself credit, that you’re doing better than you think. Keep showing up, work hard, and trust that it’ll all pay off, even when it doesn’t feel like it yet.” – Mia Collins, ‘25

“Ensure you have somewhat of a school-life balance. Hard work is amazing and fulfilling, but do not forget to focus on yourself as well.” – Jack Bloomstein, ‘25

“Don’t stress about one bad grade, it will all work out.” – Emily Hollander, ‘25