By Angel Efe-Nogo

Does time really fly when you are having fun? To discover the truth, I asked seniors at Springfield High School numerous questions about their high school journey. From their favorite teachers to their after-high school plans, these seniors tell it all!

It is only the 1st quarter and there is so much more to look forward to this school year. I was honored to learn advice and wise knowledge from the class on top.

As a junior in the class of 2027, it brings sadness to me that the Class of 2026’s high school time is wrapping up. From time and time again we are met with the Class of 2026 before they are forced to move onto their next stepping stone. This time it is forever as they go on to do whatever their heart desires next.

Their heart might desire college or the many other alternative routes seniors can choose. Online courses, coding bootcamps, vocational school and joining the military have become more popular in these recent years. 

District 186 is known for their military service offers as it promises structured training, steady pay and long-term benefits, including educational funding through the GI Bill. However, when asking senior Parker Hinds about his plans after high school, said, “I am planning on being an actor and going straight to Broadway.” Whether he was serious or not, it is nice to know how diverse the Class of 2026 career plans are, especially in contrast to Mehki Newman, a senior at SHS, who plans on playing Division 1 football at Western Illinois University.

From freshman to senior, experience many different varieties of teaching styles, brought by teachers from core classes to elective classes. At the top of the leader board, Joseph Sutera has been voted the best teacher by the interviewees. Brody Scheffler, captain of the varsity football team, states, “Sutera is the best teacher I have ever had. He makes class fun and easy by just existing.” That is one crazy standard but it is SHS, and we appreciate that every teacher is unique in their own way. 

Of course we all make mistakes but hopefully not twice! Seniors shared their embarrassing moments at SHS and their own personal advice to incoming freshmen. 

Kameron Hoffman, soccer star for the girls varsity team, mentions how she has never been embarrassed at SHS but advised the freshmen to “never believe they are too good for school activities.” Cameron Trimmer, football player on the injured list, hinted at being “pantsed” as his most embarrassing moment and disclosed that “running in the halls to ensure they are never late to class” is the best thing to do as a freshman.

All in all, we wish the best of luck to the Class of 2026 as their senior year proceeds and they will soon close another chapter of their lives; may the next chapter be even more fulfilling and exciting than you’ve imagined. Hold onto the memories and experiences from SHS as they have shaped who you are. But you are not done yet! So good luck, seniors, and forget–once a Senator, always a Senator!

(Courtesy of District 186’s Facebook Page)