When people say “college”, eyes widen, blood pressure rises, and the topic is immediately avoided. Still, whether college or otherwise, deciding on life after high school is a necessary and crucial step. Luckily for the Class of 2026, May 15th was Decision Day- meaning the Kingsway seniors did it! No more stress, just excitement for what’s to come! To celebrate making such a decision, there was a College Fair in the South Gym during SMART that same day. There, students took pictures and gathered with their fellow classmates. Flame members managed to talk to some of the seniors who attended, gaining insight from the soon-to-be graduating students. They asked about where they plan to attend, what they are majoring in, a favorite memory, their favorite teacher at Kingsway, and words of advice for underclassmen. Student responses are recorded below:
Mason Corey:
College: MIT
Major: Aerospace engineering
Favorite Memory: Senior Trip
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Barr
Advice: “Just do what you’re passionate about; don’t do something just because you think it’s going to get you into a good school.”
Danielle Lewis:
College: University of Maryland
Major: Psychology; on a preoccupational therapy track
Favorite Memory: Senior Trip
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Rival
Advice: “Always stay true to yourself and be kind to everyone.”
Audrey Klieger:
College: North Carolina State University
Major: Exploratory Studies (Undecided)
Favorite Memory: Fall Cheer and Senior events
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Rival
Advice: “Don’t let what people say get to you; it’s not what you accomplish that matters – don’t let them bring you down.”
Haley Blair:
College: Loyola University of Maryland
Major: Forensic Science
Favorite Memory: Making my closest friends
Favorite Teacher: Mr.Coller
Advice: “Try new things, even if it’s difficult or you don’t feel like it – it’s good to put yourself out there.”
Emilio Gonzalez-Torner: (Art school)
College: Pratt Institute
Major: Illustration
Favorite Memory: Robotics States Championship
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Taylor
Advice: “AP classes are not as bad as people make them out to be. Just do the work they give you, and everything else you’ll need to pass the tests will come naturally.”
Still, it is important to remember that college is not the only post-secondary option for high school graduates. We learned more about alternative pathways by talking to other seniors! We asked the same questions as before, but got very different answers, showing just how limitless options are. Here is one example below:
A senior involved in JROTC said,
“My name is Luke Dodelin, and I am going to attend Virginia Military Institute for Marine Corp. ROTC, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My favorite teacher is Mr. Rucker. My favorite memory is going orienteering with my friends and getting lost in the woods. Words of advice for the freshmen are to get involved with anything, no matter what it is; the high school experience, inside and outside of school, will be ten times better with friends and things to do.”
Hopefully, through our seniors’ experiences, other classes can understand the multiple paths available after graduation. Take their advice into consideration when post-secondary stress is overwhelming, and feel comforted by your fellow dragons!