The Student Newspaper of High School for Excellence and Innovation

By Stacy Collado and Osmairi Gabin

Photos from Decision Day by Frank Cruz

“I feel like I’m ready to be an adult because at a young age I forced myself to be independent,” says senior Alfonso. For many seniors, the end of high school brings new freedom, a little bit of worry, and the fast reality of growing up.

As the school year ends, students at the High School for Excellence and Innovation (HSEI) are getting ready for graduation. This big change is a mix of excitement for the future, the stress of passing final exams, and trying to choose a career. They are also leaning on their teachers and counselors to help them finish strong.

HSEI Family Coordinator and Counselor Jose Alvarez says it is important to stay strong and have a goal. “Stay focused and have a clear understanding of the purpose of what you want to accomplish,” Alvarez advises. “There will be hiccups, small problems, but stay focused!”

This topic is very important right now for HSEI because seniors are running out of time to plan their future. They are feeling the pressure to finish classes, pass state exams, and get into college. Because of this, hearing stories from friends and getting advice from adults is very helpful for the graduating class.

Senior Emily Jimenez talks about the hard work at the end of the year. “Not passing a Regent is the most stressful because you need to come in August and college will be late,” she explains. But she also remembers the fun times. Her favorite part of Senior Week was “the day we played with water guns because the day was hot and fun.”

Choosing a career is not always easy for HSEI seniors. Alfonso knows he wants to study sports management because he plays baseball and loves sports. But other students are still deciding. Senior Mawa Traore says she is stuck between two very different choices. “Nursing because I like kids and taking care of people, and finance because I like numbers,” she explains.

Staff member Soleanny reminds future graduates that learning basic skills is very important for the real world. Her best advice? “Use your brain and don’t use AI as your first resource,” she says. “Because when you use your brain, you develop the skills you need to be successful.” She also says it is important to plan your time well and keep a good relationship with your teachers.

Whether students go on to study finance, nursing, or sports, graduation is all about growing up and passing life’s tests. As Mr. Alvarez says, sometimes students have to make their own mistakes to really learn. To the HSEI graduating class: keep trying hard, believe in yourself, and step into your future with confidence!