This year’s senior class has been under the guidance of Dionne Williams for four years and they are saying their goodbye to her very soon. Williams is very sad to see them go but happy for them to continue growing and learning. “My favorite thing about this class is that the students are motivated, ambitious, talented, well-versed, and diverse,” said Williams.

The Class of 2017 was the first class to start and finish in this amazing building. While that is a notable achievement, there are many memories that make this class stand out. “My favorite memory of this class was the commitment to the graduate ceremony in their 10th grade year,” said Williams.

However, in a moment of hilarity, Williams inadvertently also revealed her favorite student. “If the entire Class of 2017 was in a fire, I would save Sterling Spiegl because he is the valedictorian for a reason and he would be able to figure out a way to save everyone,” she said.

While this is obviously a noteworthy class, there is also a common class-wide phenomenon that’s come out during this school year. “I’m afraid I’ve seen some cases of senioritis that’s cropped up in some of my advisees,” said Williams, speaking with the concern to be expected of a counselor.

There are some last pieces of advice that Williams gives the Class of 2017: “Continue to be open to new experiences,” and “Don’t be afraid to let your light shine.”

Dionne Williams is emotional about saying goodbye to those she has shepherded along for four years. Her bias is certainly forgiven and understood when she speaks about those who’ve been under her loving and tender care for such an extended time: “This is just the best class,” she said.