As the 2024-2025 school year nears its end at Hamburg Area, many high school seniors begin to look back on their time spent here before they step into their futures.
Senior year has been a crazy time for many students. Juggling course work, sports, jobs, college applications, and scholarships while still trying to enjoy the fun activities like dances, senior sunrise and sunset, prom, all leading up to graduation. Students often find themselves constantly thinking about the future while trying to live in the present and enjoy their last months as Hamburg Area High School seniors. However, it is important that seniors take a moment to reflect and look back on how far they have come and what has gotten them to this point in their lives.
Let us take a few moments to explore a few senior’s favorite memories at Hamburg and their plans for the future.
Amelia Gassert:
Amelia’s favorite memory from her time at Hamburg was during her junior year when she helped as a counselor at 6th grade camp. She notes, “This was such a fun memory, because I got to go back to 6th grade camp as a high schooler and watch all of the kids make memories and friendships.” For many students getting the chance to return to 6th grade camp as a counselor has been something they have wanted to do since being a camper in 6th grade. The counselors really make a lasting impression on the students and it is an amazing opportunity to be able to return as one.
Amelia is going to miss the relationships and bonds that she formed through her participation in sports. She comments, “Being part of a team really allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, especially after our softball team won counties. I created a bond with my teammates that will never grow old.”
After graduation, Amelia is most looking forward to preparing for college. She plans on attending Millersville University with a major in actuarial science. She also plans to play tennis there as well.
Cole McLaughlin:
Cole’s favorite memory from his time at Hamburg was when the soccer team beat Tulpehocken in his sophomore year. He comments, “It is my favorite because they were number one in the state when we beat them. As a team we connected well on and off the field and acted like a true family.” Being part of a sports team, or any team environment, is really important for students. It gives them a place where they can bond with their peers and build long lasting friendships.
Cole will miss the connections he has made with teachers and friends once he graduates, noting, “It will be strange not seeing them everyday and having conversations with them.”
In the future he plans to attend a lineman training school and enter the workforce as a lineman.
Hannah Kristiniak:
Hannah’s stand-out memory from her time at Hamburg was winning the History Championship. She notes, “I was so nervous before going on stage, and even before that I considered not participating. But I had so much support from teachers and friends all the way through the process. Being up on that stage with the whole school watching was frightening and exhilarating at the same time. I just remember the relief and elation of when I won.”
Hannah will mostly miss the connections she has made with both her peers and her teachers. She recognizes that the friendships made in high school will inevitably fade, which can be a bittersweet feeling. She believes that leaving the teachers that have offered wisdom and support is even harder, as it is more difficult to maintain that relationship with them after leaving.
Hannah is excited to experience the independence of college life. She plans to attend Shippensburg University and hopes to become a high school English teacher. She notes, “I hope to be passionate about what I teach and be a good teacher. Hopefully, I will make an impact on some of my students the same way Hamburg teachers have had on me.”
Gavin Dougherty:
Gavin’s favorite memory from his time at Hamburg was playing football in his freshman year. Joining the team allowed him to make strong connections with his fellow teammates and feel less alone while transitioning to a new building. He comments, “I didn’t know a single person going into high school, so joining football helped me with getting to know a lot of upperclassmen and ease into things.”
After leaving Hamburg, Gavin will miss being able to see his friends everyday. After spending 13 years with friends, sometimes longer, it is strange to not have that presence after graduating.
Gavin plans to attend Penn State Berks for mechanical engineering. He is excited for the freedom that college offers, and he is eager to figure out what the future holds for him.
Erica Gerner:
Erica’s favorite memory goes all the way back to 6th grade and attending 6th grade camp. She notes, “I think it is an amazing way to learn about things besides academics, and it is an unique opportunity that our school district offers.” For many, 6th grade camp is one of the first times students spend the night away from home. The experience helps students bond and create memories and lasting friendships that remain through the rest of their time at Hamburg.
Erica is going to miss the support and relationships she has with the teachers at Hamburg. She comments, “I found comfort knowing that I had adults that I could go to and talk with. It will be hard to find that somewhere else.”
After graduation, Erica plans to attend Millersville University for early childhood education. She will also be playing on the women’s golf team. She is excited for the change that college life will bring: new friends, new places, and change of pace.
Camden Folk:
Camden’s most memorable experience at Hamburg was using the Van de Graaf Generator in physics in his junior year. It was a really fun experience for him, as he has a strong interest in physics.
After leaving Hamburg, Camden will miss the connections he has made with friends and teachers. He notes, “everyone plays such a large role in your life. It will be hard to leave that behind.”
Camden plans to get a bachelor’s degree in physics. After college he hopes to continue on to a career in research and development. He is looking forward to what the future will bring.
These are just the thoughts and feelings of a few of the many wonderful seniors at Hamburg Area High School. Many students share similar memories of the past, feelings of the present, and hopes for the future. Life is a long journey. The high school chapter of our senior’s lives is coming to a close, but their futures are just beginning. Good luck class of 2025 in anything and everything that life brings!
