By: Emily Foltz
After a long school break due to coronavirus and summer vacation, many students are thrilled to be returning to the Saline High School building. As many know, the class of 2020 was robbed of the rest of their final year of high school. This year, the class of 2021 is able to experience their senior year; however, it is nowhere near the normal year they deserve. Many of these students have important roles and responsibilities that could forever impact their lives and Saline High School’s legacy, and they deserve recognition for their dedication.
One student is Sydney Masters, Vice President of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and President of Future Farmers of America (FFA), who is involved in many extracurriculars. She says different clubs and electives at SHS have made her a “more well-rounded individual who is better prepared to take on life after high school.” She hopes that her hard work will not be forgotten once she graduates, especially her FCCLA work with Annie Rothfus, Ms. Panzica, and Ms. Barr and that her actions will leave an impact on future leaders. Sydney’s favorite memories include the friends she has made and her personal achievements, such as attending FFA conventions. She also went to the FCCLA National Conference in Anaheim, California, for her human trafficking awareness work with Annie Rothfus. Sydney advises younger classes to “get out there and try new things, like different clubs and courses offered at SHS and in the community,” she believes this because it might help you find something you end up being passionate about and really love. She hopes to attend MSU and pursue a career in agriscience education.
Annie Rothfus is another extraordinary member of our school. She has experienced leadership positions, community service, and personal growth during her time as FCCLA president and FFA Vice President. She hopes to leave a legacy and prove true leadership is “not always about how many awards you win or how many positions you hold; it’s about the impact you've made and the relationships you built that will last forever.” One of her favorite things has been meeting new people and having fun at FFA competitions. Annie says, “My message to younger classes would be to step out of your comfort zone,” and, “Do not be afraid...!" It is clear that Annie strongly believes trying new things that may frighten you could actually change your life for the better; you have to test things out to discover whether you like it or not. After high school, Annie plans to pursue agriculture or education in college.
Noah Socha, Student Council Co-President, School Board Student Representative, and Culture Appreciation Club Vice President, thinks there is an opportunity available for every student at Saline High School. He has also participated in Marching Band, Cross Country, and Student Council. He says, “Honestly, I would just like to have made at least one person feel welcome and happy here at Saline High School. If I manage to leave a larger legacy than that I would be extremely gratified and humbled.” One of his favorite moments was performing at Zal Gaz Grotto, an Ann Arbor club, for Jazz Band and sitting with the professionals afterwards. As student body president, Noah knows a lot about leadership and making decisions for the success and prosperity of his peers. He says, “Don't get caught up in the stress of things. Do things because you want to do them.” Noah emphasizes that rather than worry about what others think, you should focus on your personal goals and growth. Noah intends to pursue a political science major in college and then attend Law School so he can “represent my fellow citizens in some capacity, as I already have at Saline High School.”
Aditya Arora, Student Council Co-President, Business Professionals of America (BPA) Vice President, and President/Founder of Future Health Professionals (HOSA), says the classes, people, and positive atmosphere of SHS have all contributed to his experience. He has “contributed to other clubs and activities that I enjoy like XC, track, debate, ethics.” He hopes the student council will create traditions for future generations, such as the “giving tree” they brought to SHS last year. Aditya loved attending XC Summer Camp and a Leadership Conference in Washington DC. He says, “Diversify yourself… Join new clubs, try different things, meet and befriend new people. Come to school with a positive attitude.” Aditya thinks that exposing yourself to new people and activities will make your high school experience even better. He hopes to “balance a strong work hard play hard attitude” in college as he majors in business and gets involved in finance and real estate.
Shalen Murphy, president of the National Honors Society (NHS) and field hockey captain, thinks her experiences have been “really diverse” and have prepared her well because of her involvement in sports and leadership positions. She says she, “would like to leave knowing that I helped someone during my time at SHS.” She explains how many people at school, including teachers and those she’s met through clubs, sports, and classes have helped her a lot, and she wants to do the same for others. Her advice is, “Trust yourself and never lose sight of what you’re working for…as long as you’re on the path that’s best for you, you’ll be happy.” She believes that no matter what other people tell you, you should continue to pursue what you are passionate about and want to achieve. Shalen plans to major in biology and global health in college and eventually attend medical school.
Sayoni Bandyopadhyay, Senior Class President, NHS Vice President, and the 72nd Miss Saline, to name a few of her positions, says moving from New Jersey to Saline was a significant change. Still, the high school was very welcoming to her. Sayoni hopes “[she] can make some people smile and help cultivate an environment where peers and future students feel as safe and comfortable as possible” and, in a way, pass on what she experienced as a newcomer. The Marching Band Disney trip or Choir Europe trip were her favorite moments throughout her high school experience. She advises that students “be genuine, be kind, be open-minded, and find fun in every moment you can. Do things you are passionate about!” She added, “Don't doubt yourself...you got this! Keep it up.” Sayoni shows that it’s important to follow the things that are important to you and not give up on them. If you continue to stay focused and truly enjoy it, then it will eventually be accomplished and benefit you. She plans to study behavior politics, international relations, and economics, as well as participate in extracurriculars that involve music and leadership and travel in a program abroad.
Though all students of Saline High School are influential and important to our environment, those referenced within this piece have worked hard to leave a positive impact after they graduate. It can be confidently concluded after hearing their experiences and advice, that pursuing your passions, stepping out of your comfort zone, working diligently, and contributing to your peers and community are all important to fulfilling the extent of your high school career and leaving a legacy that could last a lifetime.
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