Assessing Class of 2000 halfway to graduation

I remember vividly orientation day my sophomore year of high school.

The whole tenth grade was gathered in the gym to listen to our principal. He asked us what the definition of the word sophomore was. When no one responded, he told us it meant "wise fool."

He told us that this was a dangerous thing to be -- a wise fool. He warned us that this status could cause us to do some things we may regret, such as fall in with the wrong crowd, pay less attention to school work, spend a lot of time in detention.

Halfway home

His words came into my mind recently when I interviewed the sampling of the Class of 2000, chosen by The Evangelist two years ago. As they reached the halfway mark of their high school education, I wondered if I would find any of these teens to be more "fools" than "wise."

As I met with them over the past few weeks, I was pleased to see them edging closer and closer to young adulthood. Since I see these teens only twice a year, the growth that has sneaked up on them is more dramatic to me than to their families or teachers.

All four are taller, both girls' hair is longer, some have their braces off. All are filled with enthusiasm at the prospect of driving.

Maturing

But I have also seen them mature in the roles they play in their school communities:

* Jenneane Butler is filled with poise. The once quiet girl is now very adept at answering questions. As I covered diocesan youth events this year, I noticed she was involved in many of them.

* Justin Fitch seems more comfortable walking through the halls of Catholic High in Troy. As we walked, many students greeted him. He's also enjoying the freedom a driver's license and a 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier have provided. "In December, I got my license," he said. "It's a lot of fun. I can do more, and I don't have to ask my parents. I was the second person in my class to drive to school."

* Jeb Towne, like Jenneane, has become more comfortable speaking with others. He has also gained the trust of the administration and staff of the school. On the day I interviewed him, the principal told him to ask a staff member for keys to an office so that I could conduct the interview. The principal seemed comfortable letting him into an office, and the staff member did not think it odd that this tenth grader would be asking for keys to a locked office.

* Meghan O'Connor seems to have focused a bit more. When we first met, her calendar was filled with many activities. While it's still full, running seems to be a passion that she is dedicated to.

Perhaps these four are also "fools," but I was pleased to see that each of them, in their own way, are beginning to grow in wisdom.

(06-04-98) [[In-content Ad]]