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"They've had a big impact on us. There are teachers here that will make you feel really cared for and really seen and appreciated."
What are your plans after high school?
SL: I'm going to continue to work. And I am going to RISD in the fall. I'm thinking about concentrating in sculpture or industrial design. I did Project Open Door since last year and I did Saturday classes in the fall. For me it was between RISD and MassArt, but I got the POD (Project Open Door) Alumni Scholarship. It was the first one. This year, they decided to give one student who got into RISD a full scholarship.
EN: I am going to go to Springfield College and my major is undecided at this time. They have a really good theater program that I am really interested in, and their campus is really pretty. It was between Manhattan College, Pace University, or Springfield because I wanted to be in New York. But then I looked at the tuition and I was like, do I really need to be in New York? And Springfield it is.
HL: I'll be attending Roger Williams University. I'm thinking of going into Criminal Justice. It was close to home. The school gave me 95% of the tuition. I got the inter-cultural scholarship, and like I said, it was close to home and I am close with my family.
Tell us your most memorable experience from Hope High School?
SL: Last year, we did a mural in the basement at Hope High School. We came up with an idea and we were told to have fun, but make sure it fit the theme. It was a lot of fun to be able to have that type of outlet at that time. I really needed it. We did a sea and music based mural called the Music Aquarium.
EN: My favorite memory is my first high school production ever, The Christmas Carol, and I was the lead. I got to play Scrooge. I just remember that it was such a great moment for me because I realized this is what I want to do with my life. I love just being in front of people and performing.
HL: I think for me, it would be track. I got to meet new people and actually win a medal for the first time. That was a big moment. I did the 4x400. I love my teammates, and that we all support each other.
What are you going to miss most about high school?
SL: I think I will miss some of the teachers. They've had a big impact on us. There are teachers here that will make you feel really cared for and really seen and appreciated. You don't always feel that way in other places.
EN: I think I will miss the school culture. Since COVID, the culture has started up again and gotten stronger. The staff is enforcing to build a better culture for Hope.
HL: I will miss seeing my friends' faces every single day.
Has there been a teacher who has had an impact on your life at Hope or in PPSD?
SL: Jonathan Goodman, our English teacher, we are lucky to have him. My art teacher, Mary McMurtery. And Ms. Erin Mullry, she teaches theater and art.
EN: I have a lot. But I will narrow it down to three. The first would be Mr. "Zen" Zienowicz. He made me feel seen as a young actor and have so much passion for acting. I owe him a big pat on the back. I would definitely say Ms. Garcia. She is one of our volleyball assistant coaches. She has been helping me through so much. When I play games, sometimes I get panic attacks, and she helps me calm down and feel safe. Matt and Johnny, they are so sweet and like my in-school fathers. Anything that is bothering me, I can go to their office and talk to them.
HL: Yes, Mr. Goodman, and also, Ms. Sully. They have helped me a lot.
What are you nervous or excited about for graduation?
SL: I am excited to make art. I am afraid and excited at the same time.
EN: I have a fear of not being coddled anymore when we are in the real world after high school. We're being forced to be on our own and learn new things. We are able to start a new chapter or even a new character for our own life.
HL: Excited for the freedom and to meet new people.