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Overcast A lifetime of lessons packed into four years
The first time I was at the Tilles Center on C.W. Post’s campus was three years ago with my clarinet and fellow pit band members to play “Pomp and Circumstance” and “Romanesque” for the Hewlett High School class of 2010 graduation.
Now it’s my turn. I was at the Tilles Center for the rehearsal of my own high school graduation on June 13. I cannot believe that I am graduating, and frankly I don’t think I will until I actually walk across the stage when my name is called on June 20.
The extracurricular, academic, and social opportunities available through Hewlett High were boundless. They made my four years truly incredible. I had no idea how meaningful a role band would have in my school career. Words cannot describe how it felt to perform at Carnegie Hall this April with the wind ensemble. Before the concert, I thought about the time when at the end of third grade, I tried the instruments that interested me. I was told that I would play the clarinet because it was the only instrument that produced any sound when I put my mouth to it. Fast forward nine years, and I can proudly say that Hewlett enabled me to play in a marching band competition at Six Flags, perform at music conservatories in Puerto Rico and participate in the electric night parade at Disney World during my high school years.
Hewlett has given me a variety of special experiences. Writing for my school newspaper, Spectrum, significantly strengthened my passion for writing. I appreciate the many conversations I’ve had with teachers, administrators and students in writing articles, while working on the paper. Also very meaningful was Youth Leadership Forum that allowed me to collaborate with my peers, teachers and community members, while learning about sustainability and gaining 21st century skills. I will always remember the Fall Harvest Festival and Arts Below Sunrise events because I loved watching my community gather together. I was thrilled to help plan this year’s Memorial Day Parade with my peers and music department chairperson, Kevin Bayen, as a way to honor the veterans and to entertain the community.
Certain classes and teachers at Hewlett impacted me in extremely profound ways. The times where I was overwhelmed with schoolwork and activities and doubted that I would ever make it to graduation were more than worth it. I signed up for advanced placement classes knowing how much work they required. I, however, didn’t realize how many valuable skills I would gain from them. AP classes were often very arduous, but they encouraged me to work my best. Completing a social science research paper for the Intel competition also proved to be a powerful experience as I became a more critical thinker and reader. Many of the relationships that I developed with my teachers are ones that I will cherish forever. Hewlett teachers not only displayed their love and knowledge for the material, but they also allowed me to grow as a student and person.
I cannot thank the Hewlett faculty enough for teaching me invaluable life lessons and skills that I will carry with me to the next chapter of my life. I have formed great friendships and relationships throughout high school. I have recognized the importance of hard work, strength, and determination. I’ve learned that it is essential to maintain a positive attitude at all times, even if you have a dozen college applications to complete and schoolwork, activities, friends, and family to balance.
As I look forward to my graduation and my plans for next school year, I’m experiencing a myriad emotions. I am sad to be leaving, but elated that I am a graduate of Hewlett High School’s lucky class of 2013!
Hagen will attend Cornell University in the fall.
