“06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
The Clubhouse was packed Wednesday night.
Music played. People danced. The event space and rooftop buzzed with excitement.
There was a lot of looking ahead — and a bit of looking back — as Staples High School’s soon-to-be graduates gathered for a special party.
The evening was created by seniors Gavin Gravelle, Jasmine Schiffman and Stella St. Andre. As part of their internship, they decided to plan something that did not feel like a typical school event.
Students enjoyed golf simulators, private karaoke rooms, and plenty of food and drinks. As they celebrated, they reflected on their time at Staples — and the future ahead.
“I’m so excited to try something new and go to a new place,” Abbie Pleiter said.
She is heading further than any classmate: to the University of Western Australia.
Heading to colleges far and near (from left): Abbie Pleiter (University of Western Australia), Sadie Vincini (University of Connecticut), Eliza Walmark (Penn State) and Brady Dennett (Fairfield U).
Others traveling less far also look forward to what college offers.
“I can’t wait for this new chapter at Syracuse,” Nathaniel Phillips said.
For some, the excitement comes with a little anxiety. Ava Coyle — off to McGill University — said, “I’m so hyped for the new experience. But I’m a little worried about living in a different country than my whole family. It’ll be a great start to a new chapter, though.”
Two Avas: Chun (Elon) and Coyle (McGill).
Others are excited about getting back to what they love.
The University of Vermont “is a huge ski school. I love to ski, so I’m excited to hit the slopes,” Ben Zwick said.
From A (Andre Albanese, University of Richmond) to Z (Ben Zwick, University of Vermont).
The Clubhouse night was not just about having fun. It was also a time to think about pursuing new (and current) interests.
“I’m going to college for songwriting,” said Vivian Shamie. “I can’t wait to collaborate with new people, and work on myself as an artist.”
Jasmine Schiffman, one of the organizers, reflected on the hard work she put into this event.
“It’s so rewarding to see something I put so much effort into turn out so great, by giving everyone this experience,” she said.
Jasmine Schiffman, one of the senior intern organizers.
Nathaniel Phillips shows his Syracuse pride.
Next up for Kaela Cohen and Nash Teran: Southern Methodist and UConn, respectively.
4 friends: Brooke Saporta (Cornell), Isla Goldberg (University of Colorado), Sophie Stackiewicz (Florida State) and Dylan Lebowitz (Syracuse).
Molly Dubson will attend McGill. Oliver Galin heads to Syracuse.
Kody Goldman is off to Penn State. Shreyas Gorre is Michigan-bound.
Sam Rossoni (University of Pennsylvania), Luca Caniato and Katie Hannon (both University of Colorado), with some of their classmates’ schools. (All photos/Katherine Phelps)