Graduates return to alma mater to relay college experience

Date: 6/1/2009

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern



LONGMEADOW - The senior class at Longmeadow High School (LHS) experienced something some seniors in the area would envy. Recently graduated LHS students came back to LHS to provide the class of 2009 an inside look into college life. An idea first proposed by Mickele Keane'Moore, a self-professed community volunteer with an interest in public health, the special seminar took place May 20 in the Business and Technology Center.

With the support and help of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), PAC (Parent Advisory Council), teacher Vivian Morse and principal Larry Berte, the recent LHS graduates came together as a panel to discuss college life with the class of 2009. The panel included Liana Valdes, Stefano Daniele, Sam Hopkins, Meredith Hadley, Nick Marinelli, Reagon Teed, Claire Calderon, Alex Novak, Zach Dragone and Erin Healy. The majority of the returning students had just completed their freshman year at college.

"The idea was for them [the returning students] to give tips to the seniors to make them more prepared for college," Keane'Moore said. "It's a big change and we thought hearing it from people who have been through it would help. A lot of the returning students still have friends at LHS so we believed they would be the best people to come and talk."

The topics discussed varied from how to decide which classes to take and how to deal with illness to roommate issues and time management. Class of 2008 President Stefano Daniele was one of the returning students to speak to the class of 2009.

"I wish I had this opportunity. I'm happy to talk to them and give them advice and guidance. It's good to have an idea of what to expect," Daniele commented. "And as class president, I felt it was my duty to give back to LHS and I wanted to do it. College is an awesome experience. You learn about yourself and life in general. You also become a smarter person in life."

Other important topics discussed in the seminar were meeting people outside of your residence hall, meeting new challenges, the social differences between high school and college and fraternities and sororities.

"It's very different," Daniele added. "No one is there to hold your hand. You do things yourself and become independent."

This seminar may return to LHS next year for the class of 2010's benefit.