Seniors Give Their Final Farewell

May 24, 2010 • Tanisha Dozier, Dominique Gatling, Talaya Heard, Ronnetta Williams  
Filed under Student Life

At the end of every school year, seniors reach an exciting  yet saddening time: they’re on the verge of graduating, yet they’re about to leave their familiar surroundings.  At this point in a senior’s life, there is little left to do but reminisce and prepare their final goodbye to Oxon Hill High School.

The following Searchlight reporters have written about their senior year, the ones they miss most, and the ones who have made a huge difference not only in their senior year but in their lives.

Talaya Heard
“My four years at Oxon Hill High School has been an interesting experience. I’ve never been suspended or had to have dispensary actions towards me. Despite going through difficult sicknesses and countless doctor appointments; I’ve made lifelong friends and participated in all kinds of clubs. I will miss my years here at Oxon Hill.

The beginning of my senior year, I was recovering from a kidney infection, and the side effects caused tendonitis; where I couldn’t walk for the most part. Too bad the tendonitis wasn’t temporary. However, I kept my head held high and I was looking forward to all of the upcoming events.

I was in charge of so many clubs, and I wanted to make so many things happen before the day I receive my diploma. I was President of International Club and Drama Club, AFJROTC MD-11’s Wing Training Officer, Honor Guard Sergeant of Arms, and a College Summit Peer Leader. I was a busybody. I would come to school at 8:30am every morning and wouldn’t leave until around 6pm or 7pm.

During my senior year, I have been the most active and social. I earned the reputation of being the girl who was outgoing, fun to be around, funny, organization, and a little crazy. Because of that reputation, many teachers, all of the administration and security, and even Oxon Hill’s principal Dr. Jean Paul Cadet know me. Personally, being known for all of the good things that I have help contribute to my future alma mater makes me feel like I’ve been a part of history.

My mentor for the last three years was Ms. D. Hutchinson. She is one of my inspirations to study the art of the Theatre and the English word. Mrs. E. Hillian was my mentor for the Adopt-A-Senior mentoring program, and she was my final convention to be an English teacher. I’ll be attending Bridgewater College in the fall and majoring in English Education-Secondary and minor in Theatre. I hope that I can be the half as good as both of my mentors for my mentee, Monica Kim.

I think that what I’ll miss most about Oxon Hill is the G crew. The G crew consists of my best friends and I. We have been best friends since freshman and some of us long before then. I feel so blessed to have had Shannell Austin, Brittany Jefferson, Ronnetta Zack-Williams, Christian Canada, Holly Baptist, Yasmine Price, Olivia Moore, and Andrew Stephens as G’s. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Within our group, we have future generals, doctors, senators, prestigious lawyers, along with best-selling authors. I want my friendship with them to never die because they have supported me and helped me in more way in one.”

Dominique Gatling
“As our senior year comes to an end, we take time to reflect on our experiences here at Oxon Hill High School. As seniors, we are preparing to cross the threshold into adulthood. Whether we go into the military, college, or workforce, we will always be united as the Class of 2010.

Even with all the obstacles put in our way, we have managed to overcome it all and have a successful senior year with the help of Ms. Richo, Mrs. Graves-Henderson, and Ms. Dixon, our senior sponsors and administrator. Thanks to these astounding women and the support of our principal Dr. Cadet, the senior class will have pleasant memories of our last year here at Oxon Hill. In a year or two, we will either remember how we danced all night at our Masquerade Prom or how we all sat around enjoyed a nice hot dog from the grill at our senior picnic, for sure when we walk across that stage May 28, we will do it together, as one big clipper family.”

Tanisha Dozier
“Becoming a senior this year made me realize that I am about to become an adult. Now that it is time to graduate, I have to decide what I want to do after I walk across that stage: will I continue my education or take a year off and rest? Those are all the ideals that go through my mind when as a senior.

Oxon Hill High School was an expreience of a lifetime; I loved every minute of it and I will miss some of the people who made my last 4 years the best years of my life. But with high school comes drama, tears, laughter, and smiles. There are a lot of sad moments but there is also a lot of happy moments. Looking back, I would not change a thing I did in Oxon Hill; the only thing I would do better is stay focused in class and in my studies. But for everyone else, make your last year of high school your best year; no matter what, stay focused and make sure you graduate!”

Ronnetta Williams
“When you’re a freshman, the upperclassmen always tell you to enjoy your four years and take advantages of opportunities because they go by fast. As a freshman, you do not really pay attention to this because you are just excited to be in high school. You are excited about making new friends and all the activities you could join, but the years do go by quickly.

Personally, I am a senior now getting ready to graduate and I still cannot believe it. I still remember my second day of high school (the first day is a blur) with my middle school friends. We were anxious and nervous before we got there, but after a couple of days, we fit right in. Freshman are usually the young kids that always get picked on, but I believe the class of 2010 held their ground. We are the best class at Oxon Hill High School.

I know many seniors are ready to leave Oxon Hill for good and I am one of them. Although we are ready to leave, there are some things will miss at Oxon Hill. For example, Mrs. Brown and her giddy morning announcements, the pep rallies (where we were able to leave out of class) and most of all, the good friends we made at Oxon Hill High School.

After graduation, we will all be going our separate ways, some to college and others to the military or maybe straight into the workforce, but whatever we do, we’ll never forget our high school years.”

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