The 2023-24 school year is coming to a close. The seniors’ last day of classes was Tuesday, May 14. Between final exams the rest of this week and preparation for Baccalaureate Mass and graduation in early June, seniors have a lot on their plates. How do they feel about this final push to graduation?

“It’s tiring, but it’s definitely preparing me,” Jonathan Sharayera said. “I’m also enjoying the time I get to spend with my friends.”

Jonathan expresses how much he has come into his own during his time at DeMatha. “Over the last four years I’ve grown a lot. I definitely feel like I’ve grown in my maturity as well as how I handle certain situations for the better. I’ve grown in my relationships with people, as well, and have built a brotherhood with many of my classmates.”

He continued, “Graduating high school means a lot to me. I’ve had a great four years which I will always cherish, and the future is exciting. I think that graduating gives me new opportunities as I move forward, as well.”

Jonathan says his favorite class is AP government, as he “really enjoyed being taught by Mr. Sicko. He did a great job making it interesting and worthwhile.”

He would also tell his younger self to “never wait but to just do it regarding any opportunity you have, you won’t regret it.”

Fellow senior Andrew Ross says “the end of year schedule has given me something to look forward to with fun activities like senior picnic and graduation.”

Andrew’s favorite highlight of senior year was the senior retreat. His favorite teacher from his high school years was Mr. Bernstein. The advice he has for the underclassmen is to hang out with DeMatha friends outside of school and to build friendships.

Senior exams run through May 17. After that, seniors will have their Baccalaureate Mass on June 5 with graduation to follow on the 7th.