Thank You Nutley High School

I vividly remember my first day at Nutley High School. The butterflies walking into the building and the uncertainty of upperclassmen made me scared to be a freshman. It was before block scheduling and when homeroom was still a thing. I’ll always have memories of my first day of high school, however, I really don’t recall my last. All that comes to mind is hearing the announcement that we won’t be going back for two weeks and me believing that would be the case. I was wrong, and I will never get the opportunity to walk around the building one last time to cherish all the moments I spent in NHS. The class of 2020 won’t get the closure they may need in order to move on to their next chapter. 

NHS has given me so many memories, both good and bad, that I know will stay with me as the years go on. Struggling in APUSH, running the mile on Fitness Fridays, our Powderpuff game getting cancelled, ends of friendships and a lot more rough ones. Looking back now though, I laugh. I was definitely given many more happier moments. Scoring my 1000th career point, becoming CPR certified, Senior Cruise, Senior Fashion Show, Junior Formal, Senior Night, and making memories with my classmates that we will reminisce about for years to come. Nutley Basketball has made a huge impact on me and I hope I have left a mark on it as well. It has given me friends both older and younger that I know I will remain close with. 

The CoronaVirus has challenged the class of 2020 in more ways than one and it will continue to do so. Personally, it taught me to appreciate the students and staff at NHS. Knowing that I will never walk the building as a student again upsets me. I have learned to not take my education for granted. During this difficult time, our teachers have supported our class and are trying their best to make the most out of what we have. Recently, all Nutley teachers, elementary through high school, dropped off our caps and gowns as well as put our senior portraits in our lawn in order to celebrate us. They also put all of our senior portraits in front of Nutley High School for everyone to see. Their gesture made me appreciate them even more and realize how much I will miss them. 

In the fall, I plan to begin my college education at Muhlenberg College where I will be studying Media and Communications and playing on the women’s basketball team. Because of the staff at NHS, I feel prepared for my next steps and know I will transition well. I could not have gotten where I am today without my friends and teachers at Nutley High School. I am thankful to have had them throughout my four years especially the ones who have impacted me the most. 

Thank you Coach Mitschow for teaching me how to drive and for having confidence in me as a point guard before I ever had it in myself. To Ms. Greco, for helping me pursue journalism. To Mrs. Rainone who taught me how to enjoy reading while still interpreting the greater meaning. Thank you Mrs. Stine for unintentionally making me apply sociological perspectives to every movie I watch. To all my Math teachers for giving me all the extra help that I needed. Thank you Mr. Francello for always brightening a room when he walks in and for giving great Netflix series suggestions. To my two best friends, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself. To my cousin who I have been in school with since we were in pre-k, thanks for always being there for me through everything. Lastly, thank you NHS for everything you have taught me my (almost) four years here. 

Andy Bernard from The Office, says, “ I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” I never thought I’d miss Nutley High School until I realized that I will never be going back. I wish it didn’t have to end this way, but I choose to believe there are only better things ahead. Goodbye Nutley High School, thank you for the incredible high school experience.