What’s Next for the Class of 2025?

By DEREK PERRI

May first is one of those dates that every high school senior counts down to: National Decision Day. Decision Day is the deadline for high school seniors to officially commit to a college or university. It is also a day where high school seniors all wear shirts or different clothes that show off the college, trade, military branch, or other future plans they may have after high school.

Washingtonville High School celebrated their senior class this past Thursday with not only having everyone wear their college shirts, but the class of 2025 also hosted a potluck dinner that night. All seniors were invited to attend and bring their favorite meal. The event was intended to be a celebration and a way to bring the senior class together as the school year winds down.   

Ayiana Alvarez, the treasurer for class of 2025 expressed, “We wanted to plan an event that would bring everyone together before we all eventually go our separate ways.”

Decision day started off mainly celebrating college decisions, however, now it has become more than that. Decision day is used to celebrate all seniors no matter what their post graduation plans are. 

Glen Doyle, Washingtonville High School senior who plans on enlisting in the Air Force after high school explained,  “Even though I am not going to college I still get to share my decision and be proud of it.” 

On the morning of decision day it has become a tradition for the seniors to get to school early so they can all have fun with their friends in the morning and take pictures in their shirts. 

Omar Puello will be attending the University of Mount Saint Vincent where he will not only be continuing his academic education, but he will also be playing Division III baseball while at the institution. Puello stated, “I am so excited to continue with my baseball career. I have loved the sport my whole life and I am so grateful I get the opportunity to play at a collegiate level.”

While decision day is meant to be an exciting and celebratory day, some students feel it has added to the stress of figuring out what is next for them. For those students who are unsure of where they will go or what they will do  after high school they may feel behind if they have not made the decision by May first. Lara Cunnane admitted that she feels added stress to figure out where she will be attending college by decision day so she can celebrate with her friends.

For many students this is the first major decision they have ever had to make in their lives, and it can be stressful. It is important to remember that there are always people that want to help you make the choice that is best for you. 

The Washingtonville High School Class of 2025 has students going down all different sorts of paths. Whether they will be attending Ivy League institutions, state schools, enlisting in the military, going straight into the workforce, or taking a year off to travel the world, they were celebrated on decision day. Congratulations to the entire senior class. The future is bright for all of you.