• 2020 class pic Some senior members of the Class of 2020 discuss their favorite memories, provide tips for underclassmen and recognize the people who made a positive difference in their lives. This activity was open to the entire senior class; some students opted not to participate. (Photo by high school business teacher and yearbook adviser Andrew Weigold)

     *By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD

  • Kalista Darney
    darney 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite memory is being surrounded by my supporting friends, teachers and staff each day allowing me to grow.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I will be attending Saint Francis University for a Bachelor of Arts (degree) in business analytics and minor in accounting. I love data and working with numbers, so if I can come back to the area to provide my expertise to our small businesses to help our town flourish in any way, I will.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    My advice to underclassmen is to take the opportunities and be grateful. I hear a lot in the halls about how people can't wait to get out of Bellefonte, which is totally understandable some days, but don't take what this town and school district provides, for granted. The teachers, staff and faculty truly do care for each of their students and want them to succeed. Our district and community is far off better than some out there, so when the opportunity arises, take it.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    It was definitely hard not being able to interact with your peers and teachers, but attending the classes teachers had was helpful to make it not as hard to not be able to have that interaction. Social media platforms have made it easier to interact and even just going outside for walks.

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank my family foremost, and also my teachers and all the staff. I wouldn't be where I am today without each and every single one of them.

    Kevin Doyle
    kevin d

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite memory of high school is helping with Life Skills Cafe.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    My plans after graduation are that I am going to CPI this year, and college the following year.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    One tip I have for underclassmen is to tell them to never give up.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    Two things I made the best of in this situation are helping my mom with (making) a Pac-Man cake and going out rollerblading for exercise.

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank the teachers like (autistic support teacher) Mrs. (Jennifer) Moody and (learning support teacher) Mrs. (Rachael) Davis.

    Mackenzie Ebeling
    ebeling 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite high school memory is the cheerleading trip to Florida to compete in the UCA Game Day competition in February. We had a blast, and I'm very grateful we were able to travel and go to Disney as a team before the pandemic closed down the parks. 

    What are your plans after graduation?
    After graduation I plan to attend Penn State to study biology. I became interested in this path after taking (science teacher) Mr. (Chris) Freidhoff's AP biology class. More specifically, my career goal is to become a pediatric oncologist to help families with children impacted by childhood cancer. My cousin Kennedy was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in March 2019 and the staff at Penn State Hershey Medical Center were a true inspiration to me.
     
    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    The biggest piece of advice would be to always be yourself. Don't let the pressure of life get you down and change who you are inside. In addition, never take life's moments for granted, because you never know when they may end. 
     
    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    During quarantine I have been reading, exercising and spending more time with my family. It's been hard not being able to see my friends and knowing that we're losing precious moments together before we head our separate ways, but I was lucky to gather a small group of friends and take some cap-and-gown pictures together. We spent so much time laughing and it finally felt like a normal senior year again.
     
    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank all of my teachers. Throughout the last 13 years they have taught me so much more than what is written in a textbook and I'm very grateful for the many life lessons along the way. I would also like to thank my parents for being such great role models. These last few months have allowed my family to spend a lot more time together than we would normally have this time of year and it has allowed us to become a lot closer. Additionally, I would like to thank the entire Class of 2020. Despite the way our senior year is ending, we are all trying to make the most of every last moment. I cannot wait to see where (they) all end up in the future. Finally, I would like to thank (high school Principal) Mr. (Mike) Fedisson and the administrative team for working so hard to make this time feel a little more normal. They have gone above and beyond for us by delivering cap and gowns, and trying to re-plan end-of-year events with the health and safety of all the seniors and families as their focus. 

    Alexis Facer
    alexis f

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite memory of high school is when we would get to actually go outside and do our school work. 

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I plan to work at a dental office as a dental assistant.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    Don’t take high school for granted. It flies by.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    I made the best of this situation by getting all of my work done before it was due and just relaxing.

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank (science teacher) Mrs. (Heather) Huntsinger for pushing me to do my best throughout the years that she has had me as a student, and for being such a wonderful teacher.

    Abby Harper
    harper 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    One of favorite memories of high school would have to be our junior prom. I had so much fun planning the night with the cabinet that when the night finally came and we got to see it all come to life, it was a very rewarding, great memory with my friends.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    After graduation, I will be attending the Penn State University Schreyer Honors College to pursue a degree in elementary education. I have always loved the idea of teaching and attending PSU is the best fit for me to prepare to do so.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    One tip that I have for underclassmen is to try your best at everything you do. If you can know that you worked hard and to the best of your ability, there will be far greater satisfaction than competing with others. 

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    The past couple of months have been tough, but I have found solace in the fact that we're all in it together. If we can each do our part, our lives can be back on track even sooner. My friends and I have taken advantage of virtual resources for movie nights and even just to catch up!

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank my teachers for inspiring me to be the person I am today. Also, to my friends and family for encouraging me every step of the way.

    Ashley Ishler
    ishler 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite memory of high school is joining (ag sciences teacher) Mrs. (Myken) Poorman's classes and getting to walk the donkey in the homecoming parade.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I'm going into the workforce.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    Some tips for other classmates are just live your best (life) and try to make the best memories.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    I didnt let it phase me. I just kept my head up and did my work -- hoping for the best. 

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank Mrs. Poorman and (learning support teacher) Mrs. (Rachael) Davis, and my parents for helping me through the school year.

  • Jillian McKee
    jillian 2020

     
    What's your favorite high school memory?
    I can’t pick just one favorite memory of high school -- I made so many wonderful ones. But if I had to pick, I would tell you when our girls' lacrosse team won our first game last year. It was the best feeling ever. Last year was the first year our team was school funded and considered a (varsity) sport. I wasn’t on the field at the exact moment, but it was still enjoyable.
     
    What are your plans after graduation?
    After graduation I’m attending Lock Haven University with a major in recreational management, so I can work with elderly.
     
    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    The most obvious, yet realistic piece of advice I could give underclassmen is to cherish the next few years. It flies by fast. Personally, I still remember my first day of freshman year. Crazy.
     
    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    I made the best of the situation by sticking to what I know best -- positivity. I always turn my head the other way and strive for a positive mindset. During my time I mostly journaled my experiences and adventures. It’s a good reminder that I have things to look forward to in the future, rather than rely on what may or may not happen in the present.
     
    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    Oh man, I have a whole Santa Claus list I could fill with names of people I'd like to thank. To name a few people: My parents, Doug snd Stephanie McKee. (I'm) super blessed to have supportive parents every step of the way.
     
    Evan McMullen
    evan m 20
     
    What's your favorite high school memory?
    Going on Key Club field trips with my friends and being able to help out within my community.
     
    What are your plans after graduation?
    Attending Marist College and going in with an undecided (major) while doing a program to help me find a major that I’m interested in. I decided this route because Marist is a small school, which means that the class sizes won’t be large and I’ll be able to be more one on one with the faculty. I’m going in as undecided because I’m not really sure what I want to do for the rest of my life yet, and by doing this program I hope to find out what I’m good at and discover who I am as a person.
     
    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    Join clubs because it’s the best way to meet new people from all grade levels and develop stronger relationships with teachers.
     
    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    To make best of the situation, I really kept in contact with my friends whether it be through social media or text message. It was nice having Google Meet sessions for my classes once in a while because I got to see everyone’s faces and check in on how they’re doing.
     
    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I’d like to thank my friends and family for all they’ve done over these past four years. You’ll never know how much your support has truly meant to me.

    Kacee Oswalt
    ko20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    Being able to make new friends!

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I want to work with the elderly. I chose that route because I love to help older people that can’t do it themselves. I also love to care for others.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    Dont let others get you down, they won’t be a part of your future after so don’t worry about the drama they cause.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    I spent time loving my family because you never know when the time gets cut to do it.

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I’d like to thank all of my teachers that helped push me through this year (and those) who helped me with all the work I was struggling on. I’d also like to thank my family, especially through this difficult time they never gave up on me.

    Keeli Pighetti
    keeli p 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    I cannot choose one specific memory that is my favorite, but I enjoyed every moment I got to spend alongside my friends making memories that will last a lifetime.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    After graduation I plan on attending Bloomsburg University where I have been accepted into the Honors College and will be majoring in early Childhood and special education. I will also be playing on the women's golf team.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    One tip that I have for the underclassmen is to work hard so that you can earn good grades, but also remember to live in the present because you will never get a second chance to be in high school.

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    I made the best of the school closure by continuing to talk to my close friends through social media and by making sure to enjoy the time that I have to spend with my family before I leave for college.

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank my friends, family and teachers for helping me become the person I am today. 

    Karlie Pletcher
    karlie 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    The trip that our English class took to New York City, because it was so cool to tour around and see the city on our own time. My group was able to go to the 9/11 memorial and that’s a memory I’ll never forget.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I am attending Penn State University main campus and majoring in middle-level education.

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    Make the most of your time and have fun, because you’ll never know if something could change the plans. 

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    It was a very upsetting time finding out that my senior year would come to end early. Luckily, video calls were useful in keeping in touch with teachers and other classmates. It also gave me more time to spend with my family and I was also able to continue working, which was definitely a plus. 

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank all my teachers and coaches who pushed me to be the best I could possibly be and work with me even if I may have been a pain at times. I hope to visit and keep in touch while I start my next journey. I also want to thank my family for supporting me through everything no matter what obstacles I may have faced. 

    Olivia Reiter
    olivia 20

    What's your favorite high school memory?
    My favorite memories during high school were Friday nights on the sidelines of the football field cheering with my team, as well as performing on stage with the Bellefonte Area High School Drama Club.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    I am attending West Virginia University's Honors College and my major is undecided, right now. 

    What tips do you have for underclassmen to make the best of high school?
    My tips for underclassmen are to not overwhelm yourselves. High school can be a fun time -- work hard, but don't stress too much. Also, say yes to more opportunities and try new things. It will be what makes your four years of high school memorable and worthwhile. 

    This school closure was hard for many students, especially seniors who would have liked to be in school with friends and participate in school events, but how did you make the best of the situation?
    This closure was definitely unexpected and hasn't been easy as a senior, but I've used this time to play games with my family, do more art and trust God in all things. 

    Who is someone who really helped you in school?
    I would like to thank you to (video production teacher) Mrs. (Carla) Cipro and (art teacher) Mrs. (Erin) Welsh for being the light in my school day and making their classrooms a welcoming place. Also to (science teacher) Mr. (Chris) Friedhoff and (history teacher) Mrs. (Chris) Morris for being teachers that go above and beyond for their students, and making me feel like I had the potential to accomplish anything.