As the year is coming to a close, our seniors will go off to pursue their future plans after graduating from Lenape High School. The four years they have spent here include countless hours of participating in activities, clubs, sports, and learning. Although the class of 2026 will be leaving, the class of 2030 will be joining us this fall. I have interviewed many seniors, asking them to reflect on their time at Lenape and what advice they have for the upcoming freshmen.
Jessica Yao, a senior at Lenape, describes how, at first, she found high school to be a learning curve, but she definitely enjoyed her time as a freshman. As she has grown in the past few years, Jessica has become more involved within the Lenape community and enjoys it to the fullest. Her favorite part is the many events that are hosted, like the pep rallies and Pride Day.
As she is leaving Lenape, she advises the upcoming freshman class to make the most out of their time here. Jessica wishes she had attended more football games and events happening in the Lenape community; she encourages them to do the same.
“I spent a lot of my high school years being really hyper-focused on getting a grade and being really involved,” says Jessica, “Sometimes I forget to just go out with my friends and make the most of the time I have here in my hometown, so I’m looking back now that I’m leaving for college.”
Jessica will be spending her next four years studying at the University of Pennsylvania, studying neuroscience and economics.
Matthew Plasner describes Lenape as having an experience that never had a dull moment. His favorite club is the Jewish culture club, where he has been involved for the past four years. Matthew says it’s the most fun he has ever had here and enjoys the community events they host.
“I would say to just try everything and try to make as many friends as you can,” says Matthew.
He encourages the upcoming class of 2030 to be more open to experiences. Matthew will be attending Rowan University and plans on becoming a veterinary doctor.
Armaan Benipal described his four years as an experience that went by too quickly. He says he is grateful to have met many friends and to grow as both a person and a student. At Lenape, he was involved in various activities such as the Business Honor Society, where he served as the President, UNICEF, Science League, and NHS.
“It shocks me now, I felt like I was just a freshman in biology class with Ms. Stickel. Time flies too quickly in high school,” Armaan says.
He advises the upcoming freshman to savor every moment. Armaan will be attending Rutgers University, studying cell biology and neuroscience, with the hope of getting into surgery.
Maddison McCully enjoyed her four years at Lenape to the fullest. Her favorite memories are the pep rally and senior homecoming. At Lenape, she was involved in Cheer and loved all the friendships she made. Madison loved cheering at all the sports games with her peers.
“Do everything you possibly can to create good memories and do not procrastinate,” Maddison advises.
As she leaves Lenape this spring, she will be attending Rowan University, studying psychology, with plans of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
We wish the class of 2026 the best of luck in their future dreams and goals. We welcome the class of 2030 this fall!