Despite the fact that the ASHS Class of 2024 graduated less than a year ago, they’ve all taken large steps to secure bright futures. From pursuing higher education and following side interests, they have demonstrated impressive determination and ambition. Below are some standout examples of their achievements and the bold steps they’ve taken to shape their futures!
Nathan Schneider:
Nathan is currently studying at Brown University, where he plans to major in economics and is considering a double major in International and Public Affairs. Reflecting on his college experience thus far, he shared how he draws inspiration from the passion of those around him, which has led him to develop new interests. His favorite class that he has taken has been Money and International Politics.
When asked what he misses most about high school, he mentioned missing the people he grew up with and the daily connection to his family. Nathan specifically wanted to thank Mr. Heine for his positive attitude throughout school, quoting him “No bad days, just bad moments.” Nathan’s advice for current ASHS students: “Challenge yourself, think of the life you want to have and do what you can to get it.”
Ella Hoesch:
Ella Hoesch is not only pursuing a major in biophysics at Temple University, but also juggling a job at a Dog Hotel. She especially enjoyed the Philadelphia Arts and Culture Course, though she finds it unexpected how fast time has been going since graduating from Abington. Looking forward, Ella aspires to become a pathologist.
Ella thanks Mrs. Karcher and Mrs. Grande for their support throughout her high school years, recalling how Mrs. Karcher helped her immensely in math and how Mrs. Grande helped her realize that she wanted to do science as a career. Ella tells us to make sure to “Try your best in high school and prepare yourself for college/university/your future in every way you can, and to be excited about it. Also, expect the unexpected.”
Nazariy Kostyuk:
Nazar is attending Lehigh University with the intention of finding a job in the technology field or a finance sector post-graduation. Looking back on the first semester of freshman year, Nazar has found himself both engaged and challenged in sophomore and junior level classes. To his surprise, the class that has stood out to him the most has been WRT 001 due to its fun activities and engaging lectures.
Considering his time in high school, he admits to missing the motivational and kind teachers and peers, but appreciates the independence from living alone.
Among the Abington teachers that resonated most with Nazar include Ms. Stafford, Mrs. Katz, and Mrs. Bowles, as their mentorship in his English classes prepared him for the rigor at Lehigh. Nazar also wants to thank Mr. Tinney, his AP Calculus B.C. teacher, as he “taught calculus much better than most of the professors here,” and Mr. Spencer in AP Physics for teaching him a practical way of thinking that he is able to apply in computer science courses now. Nazar advises current ASHS students to stay committed to clubs that they feel passionate about and to build meaningful relationships with peers and faculty. He states, “By opening one door, you may find a room filled with more doors awaiting you. Taking on challenges and opportunities with your high school experience opens more doors in the future.”
Taha Mahmood:
Taha is majoring in economics and statistics at Carnegie Mellon University, hoping to pursue a career in finance after graduation. During his first semester, he was particularly interested in the Behavioral Economics course, which explored the psychology behind economics. He has enjoyed the challenge of taking classes specifically tailored to his interests but was surprised to find it easier to allocate time for the things he cares about in college.
Looking back on his time at Abington, he misses the people. Taha would like to thank Mr. Tinney, since “he taught BC in an easy way and it is the foundation of some of the other classes I’m taking.” He advises us all to not take life too seriously.
Madeline Jamieson:
Madeline Jamieson is studying at Villanova University, considering a major in marketing with a minor in analytics. Reflecting on her college experience so far, she has enjoyed the Business Dynamics course and has spent her free time participating in extracurricular activities such as Women in Business, Hillel, Villanova Dance Company, and a sorority.
Madeline finds it exciting to expand her social circle in college, though she misses her friends and teachers from Abington. She is especially grateful to Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Banks, and Mr. Penderghast, and recommends AP English Language and Composition, APUSH, and Interdisciplinary Studies to current ASHS students. Madeline advises us to maximize our time in high school, because it truly does fly by!
Owen Sanchez:
Owen is currently attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he is working toward his goal of becoming a physical therapist. He has found college to be quite different from high school, particularly because he now has much more time to explore new activities and interests. One of his favorite courses so far has been Russian Fairy Tales, which has been a pleasant surprise!
Owen emphasizes the importance of time management, noting that it helps build a strong foundation and better prepares students for the academic challenges of college.
Daniel Neymer:
Dan Neymer is enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh for neuroscience on a pre-medical track. He finds college to be fascinating in its regard to the larger choices that you can make. From being able to get involved in larger social circles and choose a wider variety of classes, Dan finds college to be a much-needed reset. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dan has been thoroughly enjoying neuroscience courses, and hopes to attend medical school after graduating.
In discussing what he misses about high school, he recalls the teachers and the smaller class sizes. Dan wishes to thank Mr. Williams, Ms. Bowles, Mr. Auh, Mr. Tinney, and Mr. Spencer, stating, “AP courses in general were beneficial in bringing up the rigor, but mostly giving me the opportunity to jump forward in college.” Dan advises current ASHS students that there is no right way to follow the college experience, and by forging your own path you have the opportunity to have much more fun than you would’ve thought!
Ava Kirkpatrick:
Ava is continuing her education at the University of Delaware with plans to either become a doctor or pursue neuroscience research after graduation. One of her favorite parts of college is the ability to create a schedule that aligns with her personal interests, and she particularly enjoyed a neuroscience course during her first semester. Ava is surprised by how much free time she has to explore new interests, such as having the opportunity to become an EMT, though she certainly misses the people she grew up with in Abington.
When asked about how Abington prepared her for college, Ava mentioned how taking AP Physics C with Mr. Spencer prepared her well for Calculus C in college as well as other problem solving courses. Ava reminds us to “Enjoy your time with the people you love, and trust that you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.”
Daniel Kelly:
Dan Kelly is attending Saint Joseph’s University, where he has particularly enjoyed Accounting 102, a managerial accounting class taught by an outstanding professor. The best part of life after high school, according to Dan, has been the opportunity to expand his network of friends while pursuing a career in food marketing. He was also surprised by the freedom he has in college to do anything.
Looking back on his high school years, Dan fondly recalls the clubs he participated in and the connections he made with friends and faculty. He wants to thank everyone who was part of his high school experience, specifically Mrs. Davoli for her mentorship in DECA and Mrs. Whitman for her challenging English class, which prepared him well for his studies. Dan’s advice: “Do what you love, join clubs, don’t skip class, it isn’t worth it. Be involved because it helps keep you busy. Study hard, get good grades, and be yourself.”
