As we approach a new year, the Class of ‘22 reveals how change has impacted them since beginning its high school years in September of 2018.

Nora Raasch, senior, said, “Change is inevitable.”

Since 2018, a new president has been elected, a pandemic has shut down small businesses and social justice movements have swept the nation.

As many members of the senior class have had to mature in tough times, it is important to recognize how much this year’s seniors have had to adapt. Cullen Boyle, senior, said, “I feel like I’ve definitely grown up a lot throughout high school. I have really become more independent and have taken on a lot more responsibility.” Jack Mandel, senior, said, “I have matured since freshman year, so I view the world in a different, unique way.”

Both Mandel and Boyle explained how much the world’s change has forced them to mature quicker than high schoolers of the past.

But the change has also had negative results on the Class of ‘22. Other than the obvious, with people dying from pandemics or unjust systems, seniors feel that the society around them is broken.

Adam Dolan, senior, said “I think [the world] has changed for the worst. A little less than half of the population is still afraid to go out in public.” Dolan later said that “the majority of the population has given up on their morals and only acts out of their self-interest.” Dolan explained that he feels society has changed for the worst in the last few years.

With all of the change going on in the global society, the high school’s culture has also had a few changes along the way.

Kyle Knutson, senior, said, “For me, Homestead has changed.”

Mandel said, “I have noticed a slight shift in culture at Homestead. As students create more clubs, the school becomes a place where more people can belong.”

For both of these seniors, Homestead has changed. Both agree that the change has ultimately been for the better, as
Homestead becomes a more inclusive and welcoming community.

Becoming a senior at Homestead High School is an honor for many. Knutson said, “From being a freshman and having all of the seniors and looking up to them to now being the upperclassmen is different and has been a lot of fun.”