As the Class of 2024 prepares to embark on their next adventures, younger Prep students reflect on the impact they have had on the community.
Sophomore Lauren Raney, a varsity volleyball player, considered her experiences getting to know the seniors on her team, “Ava Tinder, Teá Bosanac and Cody Kohler have taught me the importance of not only being myself but being the best version of myself through hard work, discipline, leadership, and kindness.”
Raney reflected how the senior captains have helped her to take advantage of her time and opportunities at Prep. “Getting to play sports with these seniors was impactful because their motivation, confidence, and optimism reflected on the court was really inspiring for me to see as a younger athlete,” Raney said.
Wes Merlino has had similar experiences as a junior on the boys’ Cross Country and Track teams. Merlino said, “Will Huddleston ’24 has had a big impact on me. From the countless hours I’ve spent running with him for Cross Country, Track, and even Winter and Summer training, he’s taught me leadership, hard work in school and athletics, and optimism.”
Merlino recalled how even when injured, Huddleston led the team and showed them how to stay positive and to encourage others. Merlino said, “He has taught me so much and the memories I’ve had with him will last a lifetime. Even though it is sad he will be leaving next year, I know he will thrive in the next chapters of his life.”
Merlino also shared how some of his best friendships were made through Cross Country, and the incredible community the seniors have created for the team. He said, “The kind, outgoing, and friendly nature of this grade creates a team culture that everyone wants to be part of. The enthusiasm and effort they put into the team is contagious. Not only does the team have incredible senior runners like Jack Henzke, Liam Riley, and Nick Davila, but these leaders do an incredible job of passing their knowledge down to younger teammates and making the whole team better.”
In this way, the seniors are leaving a legacy that will continue to build upon itself. They are role models of hard work, integrity, and friendliness. In Prep athletics, clubs, and classes, the Class of 2024 has changed the school culture.
Bella Huynh ’26 got to know some seniors, as well, through yearbook and Pulse. She reminisces on lessons learned from Courtney Stockwell, a senior she looks up to as a yearbook editor and Pulse captain, “She’s a perfect example of how to balance school but also extracurriculars. I feel she’s dealt with those so gracefully and I really admire her for that. I’m definitely going to miss her because I’m probably going to feel a little lost without her,” Huynh said.
Huynh believes that the legacy and imprint the seniors have left have shown her that she can challenge herself and succeed, and not to be afraid to take on leadership roles even when they seem daunting. She said, “I can just imagine what our class is going to look like as seniors. It gives me so much hope for me and for my class. The seniors are really going to excel, and I can’t wait to see where they go.”
