Members of Class of 2024 offer advice to incoming freshmen
When Jake Ryan was a high school freshman, he made friends with half-a-dozen seniors, most of whom he’s still in touch with.
“And they really just showed me how to enjoy high school and how to grow in faith and also have fun and things like that,” said Jake, who graduated this spring from Fr. Tolton Regional High School in Columbia.
He rose up through the ranks, determined to pass the favor forward.
“And I was talking to a few younger students after a baseball game right before graduation, and they said ‘thank you,’ and I realized that I had done what I wanted to do and showed them a little bit about how to grow and live their lives,” he said.
The lesson: “Make friends with the upperclassmen.”
Jake was among a handful of recent Catholic high school graduates who in interviews with a reporter passed tidbits from their accrued experience along to incoming freshmen.
“Always believe in yourself and stay true to everything that you believe in,” advised Jackson Manning, who graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Sedalia this spring.
“Step out of your comfort zone and join the clubs that you maybe are thinking about joining but are scared,” said Ella Patterson, a member of the Class of 2024 at Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City.
“Just join and maybe you’ll end up being the president of the club by your junior or senior year,” she said.
Helias Catholic graduate Ava Morris encouraged new freshmen to take advantage of all the opportunities their school provides.
“Especially the opportunities to grow your in faith in God,” she stated. “That will help you out in the long run.”
Sacred Heart graduate Ximena Lopez warned against procrastinating.
“It is never too early to start trying hard,” she said. “Because if you don’t, you’re really gonna’ regret it your senior year.”
Fellow Sacred Heart graduate Ellie Coruna extolled persistence.
“If you’re playing a sport, keep doing that throughout high school,” she said. “Stick to it.”
Meanwhile, Helias Catholic graduate Anna AuBuchon counseled pacing and moderation in order to avoid the other extreme.
“No matter how important school is or clubs or activities or your faith or your friends — anything you do that you overdo, you’ll eventually give up on,” she stated.
She reminded freshmen that four years is a long time to maintain full focus on a single aspect of life.
“So, take a break and remember that there’s more than one important thing in the world — none more important than God, obviously!” she said.
Helias Catholic graduate Mason French advised putting God first always, and never taking other people’s criticism too deeply to heart.
He noted that high school is a marathon, not a sprint.
“So, move at your own pace to get through your classes and your time in school,” he said.
Tolton Catholic graduate Audrey Rischer advised new freshmen never to be embarrassed about who they are or what they enjoy.
“Don’t be afraid to participate and to be open about your faith and even your hobbies,” she said.
“We’re all living kind of similar lives, we’re all in the same boat, so don’t be afraid to be different,” she advised.
Helias Catholic graduate Sam Wyrick said to stop and be consciously present to things that are going on.
“Just enjoy because it’s a quick four years and the next thing you know, you’ll be graduating,” he said.
He also advised maintaining a strong faith life for all four years of high school, “and if that’s good for you, you know you’ll continue your faith in college and it will help you out in the long run.”
Tolton Catholic graduate Sophie Holtmeyer emphasized the importance of trying new things.
“Get involved in activities you’ve never even thought about before,” she said.
It always helps to know you’re in an affirming environment.
“If it’s the people you’re afraid of interacting with, everybody here is welcoming, and you will always find your people,” said Sophie. “You will find your way no matter what.
“It’s up to you,” she stated. “Go out and explore. Don’t stay inside the box. Always be outside the box.”
