The students and faculty of Watchung Hills Regional High School have returned from spring break slightly tanner, and are reenergized to begin the fourth marking period. This is the final stretch, and for the seniors this time of year is sentimental.
These are the last months of high school for the class of 2013. The painfully long wait to hear back from colleges is over, and now comes decision-making time. By May 1st, most seniors will need to decide where to spend their next four years. Class President Jessica Hofmann sums up the feelings regarding this change. "Overall it's completely bittersweet. A great part of our lives is ending, but we know that we've been prepared to enter the next part. As of now we're just cherishing all those around us who have helped us grow." Originally graduation was planned for the last Thursday of June. However, Hurricane Sandy set the schedule back, resulting in the new graduation date of Friday, June 21st. Project Graduation will follow directly afterwards.
In honor of Arbor Day, which falls on Friday, April 26th, the Environmental Club will be planting twenty-five trees at the school. This tradition began last year at Watchung Hills. The trees are donated by the New Jersey Tree Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that works to reforest our state. The Environmental Club would also like to encourage the community members to recycle any old or broken electronics. There is a drop off bin in the school's main office for any unwanted electronics.
The teachers and administrators at Watchung Hills have made great efforts to discourage bullying, and to promote tolerance throughout the school body. The themes of bystanders and up standers have been incorporated into the curriculum, and the school took it another step further last month. The Diversity Club organized a district wide "white out" event. All community members were encouraged to wear white on March 8th to signify their pledge to "speak up, stand up, and stop hate." We were honored to have State Senator Keane, Assemblyman Green, Assemblyman Bramnick, Assemblywoman Munoz, and Sheriff Provenzano attend this event and speak to the students. Ms. Mary Sok, one of the teachers who made this event possible, had this to say. "Anti bullying week unites the entire community to take a stand and make a difference." The organization "Not in Our Town" was there to film the event. They will use the footage to create a documentary about our school's efforts to put an end to bullying. The documentary will be released by the end of the summer.
The last quarter of school has begun, which has only encouraged the students even more in the various activities they participate in. We cheer on our fellow Warriors participating in spring sports, which includes track and field, baseball, softball, ultimate frisbee, golf, volleyball, lacrosse, and tennis. The spring is sure to be a great season both on and off the field.
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