Comparing notes

We asked some underclassmen and seniors to share some observations and advice.

Evie Fernandez ’27 and Evelynn Lin ’25 • Sep 28, 2023

How do you feel about being a ninth grader?

Matthew Traverso '27

“I’m pretty excited. I like block scheduling better than the middle school schedule. And I like all the different music ensembles.”

Eliana DiPasquale '27

“Honestly, it’s pretty nice. The classes are much better.”

Lilla Burke '27

“It’s not terrible. I was kind of scared because everyone’s like ‘high school’s the best years of your life.’ So I went in with kind of high expectations. And also people say the workload is bad, but it’s okay so far.”

Delani Rose '27

“It’s a little scary when upperclassmen don’t like you. But if you have some friends, you’re pretty much okay. It’s lots of fun being around different people that you weren’t in school with before.”

Scott Snyder '27

“I mean, it’s fun. The days go by faster because there’s less classes. It’s a little bit overwhelming, but it’s pretty chill.”

Connor Smith '27

“Depressed—just because it’s pretty overwhelming.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Sam Fritz '24

“Just be smart with your time after school. Get your work done.”

Greg Guron '25

“Take every opportunity you get, because the whole point of high school is to figure out what you’re going to do, who you are, and the best way to do that is to put yourself in situations where you don’t feel comfortable.”

Mirella DiPalma '24

“Just get involved with clubs and stuff, and try to build relationships with your teachers and stuff, because it’s always important.”

Emily Reilly '25

“Get involved in as many things as you can. It’s so much easier to make new friends that way. But also make sure to save some time for yourself and your own personal activities.”

Paige Trout '24

“The dances are really fun. No one cares at the dances, so just have so much fun. That’s all that matters is just to have fun at high school because it is a lot better than middle school, and less people care.”

Lanie Clark '24

“Just really be yourself. High school is a growing place, so it’s important through the classes and making friends to figure out who you are and the kind of person that you want to be and take advice from others because that’s kind of what we’re here for besides learning.”

CORRECTION: Sam Fritz’s name was spelled incorrectly in the print version. We regret the error.

About the Contributors

Evie Fernandez ’27, Managing Editor of Print

Evie Fernandez is a junior at Strath Haven High School and the Managing Editor of Print for The Panther Press. At school, Evie is a member of Marching and Symphonic Band, Haven Yearbook, Cappies, and various other clubs. Outside of the Panther Press, Evie enjoys reading, writing, music, and spending with friends and family.

Evelynn Lin ’25, Editor-in-Chief

Evelynn Lin is a senior at Strath Haven High School, and this is her third year writing for the publication. This is her second year as a co-Editor-in-Chief for the paper, where she helps other reporters improve in their journalism and leads the process of putting out newspapers for people to enjoy. Outside of the Panther Press, she can be found photographing events, studying, dancing, or hanging out with friends.

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