A LUM NI
Virtual Alumni Panel Traditionally, the annual Alumni Panel is held on campus where several alumni from area high schools convene to share their experiences with Middle School students and parents. Although it was not possible this year to gather in person, eight alumni from seven secondary schools Zoomed in for a webinar with host Mary O’Malley for an evening of recommendation and reflection. Having the event virtually, there was the uncertainty of whether or not the hour-long session would be as informative and beneficial for the viewers. In true Sycamore style, however, the event exceeded all expectations. The question and answer format took off in a different direction with the graduates weighing in together in more of a round-table discussion to address shadowing, counseling, course offerings, socialization, and extracurricular activities. The consensus was that our alumni were very well prepared academically and were grateful that Sycamore created an environment for them to flourish socially at the next level.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
ANNABEL HERMACINSKI ‘20 freshman Zionsville Community High School “The homework that Sycamore gave me, although it was really stressful at the time, actually made the transition to high school so much easier. I was really nervous going into a public high school after spending my whole school career with many of the same kids at Sycamore, but I went into my first day of class on Zoom willing to cast a wide net because a lot of people were willing to make friends, and that’s what Sycamore has taught me.”
up to or are friends to talk to. I use this time to talk about my progress in classes. It’s a nice place to open up and talk and feel comfortable. You don’t have to meet at just the scheduled 30 minutes per week, you can go and talk at any time.”
GEORGIA BOTT ‘19 sophomore Park Tudor “Sycamore gave me the confidence to speak up. If I have a question, I can ask the teacher or bring in more points to a class discussion.” “We have a large counseling group. You don’t have to have a major issue. You can go in and chat if you need someone to talk to. They offer a very welcoming environment for all types of issues or conflicts a student might have. Mental health is taken very seriously at Park Tudor.”
LILY HOVDA ‘20 freshman University High School of Indiana “Sycamore prepared us for high school by challenging us and pushing us to do our best. It also taught us how to study and take notes which is helpful in my AP History class.” “Mentors (at University) are people to look
MORGAN STICKNEY ‘19 sophomore Cathedral High School “Not a lot of kids from other middle schools had as much experience doing presentations in front of the class; our 8th grade year we had a lot of projects to present in all of our classes. It really helped me prepare and get ready for all of the presentations that we have in high school.”
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