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Senior Articles
Xavier High School
Things I have learned in the past four years Things I have learned over the past four years: 1. If your car is robbed by a man on a bicycle, the police will not find it. Not only that, but they will refuse to fingerprint your car per your request, and refuse to give you a ride along. Instead, they will quote “The Hangover” and ask your eyewitness friend if he was carrying an aquarium. 2. Mini corn dogs are not actually made with hot dogs. 3. White chocolate chips aren’t the same thing as macadamia nuts...OR SO PEOPLE SAY. 4. Not how to ride a bike. 5. Guided meditation in Mr. Farrell’s class is an experience comparable to none other. 6. Every day is not a party.
Do not be disappointed by the many nights spent in your basement watching Law & Order SVU re-runs. 7. Do not force friendships. It does not work. Let whatever happens happen and you will be happier with what results. 8. A birthday party at Super Skate is always a good idea.
9. It is possible to be a high school girl without tanning or dying your hair. You will not get shunned or anything, I swear. 10. Speak your mind. Form an opinion. Do not be afraid to (tactfully) tell people what you think. 11. Reading through tweets from two years ago will not make
writing this article any easier. 12. I was really terrible at Twitter two years ago. 13. No matter how many times you ask, no one will ever take Water Zumba with you, even though it sounds like a lot of fun. 14. Time is best spent at the docks. 15. You are never too old for glow-in-thedark stars on your ceiling. 16. If this article does not teach you everything you need to know about high school or life in general, there is definitely a Lifetime movie you can consult about any possible issue you may have. Peyton Rosencrants Opinion Assistant Editor
Effort and attitude: two words to success When I think back on my four years at Xavier, only great memories come to mind. High school is where I have made the best friends who I will keep. I learned in my four years that you get out of it what you put in. If you take the easy way out of everything and do the bare minimum, your four years may not turn out the best they could. Beginning with my freshman year until now, high school soccer is where I have learned life’s lessons. As a freshman, I looked up to the seniors and coaches. They were always positive. They taught me that if you want to succeed in the game, it is all about your effort and attitude. Sure, everyone has their off days, but if
the effort and attitude are present, you win mentally no matter what. I have used these two words throughout my four years not only on the soccer field, but in the classroom, and with my friends. Yes, classes at Xavier are difficult and effort needs to be put in for good results. Of course, there may be tests
failed, bad grades on finals, and late homework assignments. If you let the low moments like these define who you are, your attitude is probably negatively impacting you. Outside of the school walls, students are forced to make decisions on their own and choose their friends wisely. If you put effort into being the
best friend you can be, chances are you will be someone who has many genuine friends. It is well-known that high school friendships carry drama at times, but if you keep a positive attitude despite unnecessary conflicts, you won’t let unimportant events ruin your friendships. Effort and attitude are two words that have helped me get through high school on a positive note. Although there have been mistakes made, I can honestly say that I am graduating with no regrets, and will continue to use these words throughout my life. Lizzy McWhinney Sports Writer
Live for the present, look forward to the future No other time in your life will you experience such a range of emotions of various magnitudes like you do in high school. Your experience at Xavier is an opportunity to learn about who you are and prepare yourself for the future. These four years are a developmental stage and are not meant to be the peak of your social and academic life, but rather a building block for greater things to come. There is more to these four years than worrying about petty drama and social status. What is important is being the person you want to be, without feeling you have to conform to the opinions of your classmates. My high school career can be summed up by the struggle between the true John, and the guise I put on for my classmates, which I thought would help me to simply fit in with the crowd
and blend with the masses. The chances I have utilized to stand out in high school often received scrutiny from others. From my focus on academics, to my unique opportunity of swimming at Kennedy, people have often made it a point to try and put down my efforts and accomplishments. This dilemma was what made my first three years at Xavier an experience that I was ready to leave behind and forget. However, my senior year
cannot be characterized like my previous three years. I have realized the necessity to strive for excellence and to stand out from the crowd. I have changed from an insecure and occasionally miserable kid, to a confident and outspoken individual, who has made high school a chance to formulate my goals for the future. I set aside what people would say or think about me, and instead put goals into action. Because of this, I have been accepted to the
school of my dreams, seen my hard work in athletics transform into memorable accomplishments, and become closer with my grade than I could ever imagine. As you journey through the remainder of your high school career, remember you are the instrument for your own happiness. Don’t let others dictate how you feel about yourself or alter your goals. Happiness and success are obtained if you are open and accepting of it. Look forward to the future outside of high school, and never settle for good, strive for being great during and after these years are over.
John Richardson Sports Co-Editor