It’s that time of year again: September 4th began the back-to-school season for Nanuet High School. Tis’ the season of bright yellow school buses, overpriced lattes, alarming levels of homework and permission slips, fall sports games, and spending hours a day in classrooms. As the class of 2025 began their senior year, the high school welcomed the class of 2028 to the campus. And as the first day of school commenced, a wide range of emotions were felt by the student body.
The newly-inaugurated senior class got ready for the day a few hours earlier than most, celebrating the start of the school year with Senior Sunrise. Some were buzzing with the kind of excitement that can only be felt after one too many gulps of a Dunkin’ Refresher. Others were less enthusiastic, especially with such little sleep.
“I’ve already been awake for almost twelve hours and I’m sick of it,” senior Nate Mendler commented.
Some took the day slower, choosing to reflect on their earlier years, like senior Nina Zifchak.
“It’s bittersweet and it’s crazy because it feels like I was just a freshman yesterday,” she said.
Zifchak offered some advice to the freshman.
“Enjoy it while it lasts, because it’s going to go by really quickly.”
The class of 2026 made it through their first day of upperclassmen life, and some are already feeling the wisdom that comes with the role.
“I do feel like the school expects more from you” junior Ryan Chen attests. “You really should be aware of what you’re doing because what you do really influences the underclassmen and what people view the school as.”
One aspect of being a junior seemed to shock a few: The workload.
“I feel like there’s a pretty big jump in the classes you take compared to a freshman or even a sophomore,” Chen remarked.
However, many see this year as a pivotal opportunity for academic growth, including junior Athena Theodoropoulos.
“I plan to spend a lot of time studying because I definitely did not spend enough time studying or on my academics last year,” she said.
“New year, new me.”
The class of 2027 is also feeling the pressure of the new year and the jump from a freshman workload to more rigorous sophomore classes.
And last but certainly not least, the class of 2028 has joined the high school as freshmen. Between trying to find classes and navigating the halls, it can be a stressful but exhilarating time for the youngest members of the school. However, some were in for a rude awakening.
“I wanted it to be High School Musical,” freshman Abbie O’Connor complained. Clearly, high school can’t live up to everyone’s expectations.
Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, the first day of school is always an interesting day. Getting to see people after a summer apart and look forward to the coming year can make the first day truly special.