Cheers to the M-W Class of 2012

CENTRAL VALLEY Tonight, Sydney Amanuel and 595 other Monroe-Woodbury High School seniors are stepping away from the security of high school and with nervous enthusiasm moving onto a new chapter in their lives.
High school is the safe zone, said Amanuel, a Central Valley resident, showing her copy of the 2012 Monroe-Woodbury High School yearbook. Its going to be weird going to college and starting all over again and reinventing yourself. Were really adults now.
With their entourages proudly – and with some tears - watching them in their purple and white robes as they receive their diplomas this evening, the Monroe-Woodbury Class of 2012 is just like any other group of students celebrating commencement exercises.
Whether its college, trade school, military service or full time work, they know that graduation isnt the end; its just the beginning.
Grades, friends, community Im excited to move on, she said. Not that I want to get out of high school, but Ive been dreaming about this since kindergarten. Now that its here, I kind of want to rewind time and relive all the fun times in high school.
Amanuel will be attending Hunter College in New York City this fall to major in film. Someday, she hopes to become a director. During the summer, shell be part of an internship program as a transition, of sorts, to college life.
Shes the last in her family to graduate and thinks her parents are quietly happy shes staying close to home.
Im the last bird to leave the nest, Amanuel said. Ive asked them, Are you going to miss me? Im not going as far as my sister, so theyre more relaxed. I picked my college and I think theyre happy that Im happy.
Reflecting on what life lessons she learned in high school that can carry forward to college, Amanuel was quick to offer her thoughts.
Grades matter, she said. People will tell you grades matter for college and they do. You have to know that from the start. So be sure to challenge yourself.
Amanuel also felt friendships were a key to success.
Friends are like everything and friends are like nothing, she said. They can change every year. Just know that.
Being part of a larger community is also important.
Involvement in school and community and sports, its not just for college, said Amanuel. Its for experience and to keep you directed at what you want to do and who you want to be.
Wont change just yet Lastly, she felt, it was important to savor all experiences one encounters.
That cliché, Enjoy it while it lasts, is true, she said. It felt like yesterday we would become seniors. Now, we were seniors. Now, were done. Once youve moved on, youve moved on.
What will Amanuel be thinking as she sits with her friends waiting for her name to be called and she accepts her diploma?
Ill be thinking I hope the valedictorian and salutatorian give a good speech, she said. I hope I dont trip (up the stage). I hope after the hats are thrown that Ill still see my friends and it wont change just yet.
By Nancy Kriz