Seniors Finishing Strong at Howard
by Morgan Slappy
The clock is ticking for Howard seniors. Graduation is almost here, and with time winding down, this can be a stressful time for seniors.
From talking to students here at Howard, senior anxiety is coming from concerns about passing their classes, keeping up with their attendance, finding their perfect college choice, and even trying to navigate what path to take after graduation.
“It’s been stressful trying to figure out which college to choose,” said senior Anthony Johnson.
Most colleges require a decision by May 1 from applicants, when students accept the offer at their chosen college and, ideally, let the others know they will not be attending.
Despite the pressures of the remaining semester, seniors Nyla Smith and Jaylen Parham seem to have a lot figured out.
Smith plans to attend Georgia State University in the fall to further develop her academic career.
“I’m majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Global Studies,” Smith said.
Senior Jaylen Parham also taking the college path, while adding football and basketball into his future as well at Fort Valley State University. Parham has been playing football for Howard for four years.
“I plan on furthering my educational and athletic career,” Parham said. He plans to study Agriculture Economics.
Seniors said that after the last few pandemic years, they wanted to give up but realized they had to keep going.
Senior Keelien Adams was one of the many who felt this way.
“When we had to do virtual learning for the 20’-21’ school year is when I wanted to give up,” Adams said “The person that made me keep going was my mother. Knowing she wanted me to graduate and succeed, I pushed through.”
As of now, Adams has applied to Valdosta State University, Georgia State University, and Georgia Southern University.
Overall, the seniors at Howard High School reported that the school has been supportive of the students as the year comes to a close.
For example, Howard has had several FAFSA events, “Apply to College” days, and visits from colleges and universities.
And seniors are looking forward to prom, to their trip to Universal Studios (Grad Bash), and also to Staycation.
Final thoughts from our seniors?
“We did it!” Smith said.
“We’re almost out of there,” Adams said.
“Go be somebody,” Parham said.
