Four years in an 11 floor building can change a person. Fresh out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2025 adjusted to a whole new landscape of elevators, eight minute passing periods, and an A/B schedule. Looking back at all of their progress, seniors fondly remember the unique experiences that have shaped them as they enter the ever-changing world of adulthood. Despite their leave, their friends, their teachers, clubs, and sports will stay with them forever whatever path they choose to embark on next.
Much of the progress that this year’s seniors have made was possible because of the mass amount of support received by North Atlanta teachers and staff. Their counselor Darryl Robinson is there for students with all of their school needs. Whether it’s about community service, teacher issues, or just wanting to chat about personal stories, the 6th floor is the place for seniors’ needs. The College and Career Center has also been a great place for seniors to learn about all of the different post-high school pathways. For Samaria Strother, her teachers made learning enjoyable and helped her personally as well. These support sources always pushed senior Gabby Monplaisir to do well, especially with dance and art. “It felt good to choose my own path instead of just what looked good,” she said.
This academic support also provides the time for a little fun. High school is the last four years to be a teenager, so many do their best to make the most of it. Participating in all of the spirit weeks and experiencing game days with each other, especially in the student section, makes it all the more fun. Attending all of the musicals and showcases in the theater are remembered fondly. Even the little moments are what seniors like Kaleb Stanley look back on with a smile, “My favorite memory is my friend drop-kicking a vending machine because it was stuck,” he said.
All of this is possible in our unique school, as so much can happen with 11 floors and over 2,000 students. Places like the orchestra room have become a home away from home for students like Ella Sipe. Friends are all in one place here as seniors eat together outside next to the greenery while the sun gleams down. Students like Jamaya Reed look forward to seeing all of the cute turtles swimming in the lake right outside of the window. Some love the beautiful view of the sky, especially from the parking lot or some of the higher floors. “I love going to the 10th floor stairwell just as the sun rises so it’s right on level for you to see all of the beautiful colors of pink, yellow, and orange blended together,” Alex Pugeda said.
As they leave to go on their own paths, the Class of 2025 reminisce on the place that shaped most of their teen years. From being dismissed to “24K Magic,” to “I’m a Hero,” this year’s seniors have developed over the course of nearly half of a decade. Though they will have to leave behind their friends, teachers, and classmates, all of those experiences together will be kept in their hearts. Whether through college, the workforce, the military, or grad school, they are still known as North Atlanta’s own Class of 2025.
