Senior Reflections: Memorable Moments at Leonia High School
As the school year comes close to an end, the senior class is reflecting on their unforgettable high school experiences. From friendships that have lasted through the years to moments of triumph and laughter, these memories have shaped who they are today. This article will share a collection of heartwarming and hilarious stories from several seniors as they share their favorite memories from their time at Leonia High School. From unforgettable events, to everyday moments, these stories offer a glimpse into the journey that has led them to this bittersweet moment of graduation.
Unforgettable Trips and Adventures
For many seniors, the most cherished memories are tied to travel. Senior Yoobi Kim, for instance, remembers her European trips with the school. “Sophomore year, I visited Ireland, junior year, I visited France, and senior year, I visited Italy,” Yoobi shares, “Each of these trips brought me closer to my friends, and I’ll never forget those experiences.”
Likewise, fellow senior Natalia Kazbanov treasures the school trips she took, “All my trips were incredible, but my time in Italy was particularly special,” she also shares her memory of her performances in Limelighters, “The closing night of Mean Girls was the perfect end to my time with the group.”
For Samantha Giangarra, the trip to France also stands out, specifically the unforgettable experience of climbing the Eiffel Tower with her friends. “The sense of awe and excitement, sharing that moment with my friends, made it a memory I’ll always treasure,” she reflects.
A Moment of Triumph
Sometimes the best memories are those that come from overcoming challenges. For Nicole Anez, it was the moment she and her volleyball team won the first round of counties against Bergen Tech, a team they hadn’t beaten in years. “Playing with my best friends in such an electric environment made that victory feel so much sweeter,” Nicole says, remembering the rush of triumph that followed the long-awaited win.
For Francesco Marino, his memorable moment came when he won his first varsity tennis match, “I had been playing on the JV team for a while, but getting the chance to prove myself on varsity, impacting the school’s official state record, was a big deal to me,” he explains. “It was a validation of all my hard work.”
Similarly, Abir Bhattacharya reflects on the swim team’s league championship victory. “Winning the championship after five years was such a powerful moment for all of us,” Abir says. “It showed me how teamwork, persistence, and belief can lead to something extraordinary.”
The Joy of Friendship and Teamwork
Another theme that emerges from the seniors’ memories is the importance of friendship and teamwork. Maddy Choe recalls her final performance as stage manager for Limelighters during Mean Girls. “It was bittersweet,” she says. “Celebrating the success of the show while saying goodbye to my friends and that stage felt like a chapter closing.”
Similarly, Liv Meester finds her favorite high school memory in the lasting friendships she made through art and theater. “I grew incredibly close to friends through these activities, and I’m thankful for the bonds I formed,” she says.
For Tiana Pekar, it was the cross-country team’s trip to Six Flags that stood out. “It wasn’t just about the ride; it was about the people I spent the day with,” she says. “It was a day full of laughter, memories, and pure fun.”
Kaixiang Loke shares that his favorite memories of high school were the hours spent with his friends on the cross country team. “Though the runs were long and the workouts were brutal, we built deep and lasting bonds together during those trying days,” he says. He carries on to talk about how some of his greatest friendships were built during his time on the team and he will “forever be appreciative of that wonderful experience.”
Celebrating School Spirit
For some, high school memories are tied to the energy and excitement of school-wide events. Mia Rosario’s favorite memory is the school’s pep rallies, where school spirit shines through. “Seeing everyone come together, cheering for our grade, and just having fun really brought us all closer,” she says.
Aidan Yom shares his experience at the “Culture Day” event, “It was my first time attending, and I loved how the whole school came together to celebrate different cultures and backgrounds.”
The Little Moments That Matter
While big events and triumphs are unforgettable, sometimes it’s the smaller, everyday moments that stick with you. For Jonathan Policastro, his memories are tied to the simple pleasure of walking up the hill to get food with his friends during freshman and sophomore years. “Whether it was Rumba’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Happy Market, every time was a chance to relax with friends and enjoy good food,” he shares.
For Dohwan Kim, the personal growth throughout his high school years has been his favorite memory. “I started off struggling academically, socially, and athletically, but I worked hard to overcome those challenges,” he reflects. “Looking back, each moment I improved has become a part of my journey.”
A Shared Love of Sports
For some, high school was defined by the friendships and rivalry found in sports. Malachi Williams remembers his basketball team’s achievement of making it to the first round of the state championships. “All those early mornings and tough practices led to that moment, and it felt like everything paid off,” he says. “Being part of a team and working toward a common goal made the experience unforgettable.”
Similarly, Mateo Alcantar Granada recalls his favorite memory from winning the swimming league championship. “It felt amazing to win after five years of the team trying, and it was even better because I was able to share that moment with my friends,” he says.
Bonding Over Unlikely Moments
Beckett Chun’s favorite memory doesn’t come from a typical school event, but rather from a unique bonding experience during the World Cup. “Watching the World Cup during school, specifically when South Korea beat Portugal, was an incredible experience,” Beckett says. “It wasn’t just about the game; it was about the excitement and energy shared with my classmates. Everyone was so passionate, and it made that moment even more special.”
The Sweet Feeling of Graduation
Each senior has a special memory that defines their high school experience. From unforgettable trips to personal achievements, these moments have created lasting memories and shaped them into who they are today. As they prepare for the next chapter the class of 2025 will carry these stories with them, a reminder of the journey that led them to this bittersweet moment of graduation.
