Dear Class of 2020,

Your senior year is momentous because it is full of finality.  It is a school year worth of last hurrahs, but you usually do not even realize it until the end of the school year.  So, make an effort to make you NMHS senior year memories special.  Join a club or activity that you have been meaning to try.  Go watch some of your classmates sporting events, join a sports team, audition for the musical, join Interact Club, try a new instrument or join the chorus!  There are many opportunities at NMHS.  Show some Marauder Spirit!  Try something new right now.  Do some activities you have always wanted to do. 

Be a mentor.  Remember back when you looked up to the seniors because they seemed so "cool" and mature?  Whether you realize it or not, someone probably sees you that way right now.  As your thoughts and plans become more and more focused on next year, remember that you still have work to do where you are now.  Make your senior year count.  Be a role model, and maybe even find someone to mentor.

Enjoy the here and now.  It's tempting to spend all of your time looking toward your future, but don't let the future distract you from seizing the moments right in front of you.  You will only be a high school senior once, so, go make some memories and set some impressive goals!  Make the most rewarding and enjoyable school year you have had yet.

Spend quality time with your family/loved ones.  Moving out of your home can be difficult for students as well as for the family members that stay behind.  With that in mind, take time to enjoy the moments you and your family spend together this year.  Even if you might not feel like playing a game with your little sister or going grocery shopping with one of your parents, try to embrace these experiences.  There will be days next year when you will be able to look fondly back upon the new memories you create this year.

Seek help and guidance.  Planning your future, whether it is your next job, career choice or college search/ application process, it is a big step in your life.  You may be facing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty as it progresses, and that is okay.  There are many faculty members here at NMHS who can help.  Include your parents in the process, even though this is your education, remember that you are not the only one on this journey.  Your whole family will be making this transition, too.  Share your hopes, dreams and fears with your parents.  Communicating expectations together about the upcoming changes will go a long way toward making this a smooth transition for everyone.

Enjoy your senior year.  We know that you have the makings to create an incredible plan for your life, and we are excited for your future.  If there is anything I can do to support you during your senior year, please let me know!  Here to the Class of 2020!

As the senior class advisor, my role is to advocate and support the senior class.  It is the senior class who generates the ideas and activities to make their senior year memories.  Please plan to attend all class meetings.  We will try to meet at least once a month, after school (3:00 p.m.) in the music room.  Whether you are an off-campus student (RTC, VTC, NU, VAST, CHOICE, etc) or an on-campus student,  you are a member of the Class of 2020!  Your voice matters! Check this website often or feel free to email me if you have ANY questions, ideas or concerns (lmonmaney@cvsu.org).

Wishing you knowledge and happy memories,

Ms. Lorraine Monmaney, M.Ed.

Senior Class Advisor

Director of Music - NMHS