Class of 2000 enters last year of school with plans and dreams

The featured teens are:

* Jenneane Butler of Bishop Maginn High School in Albany,

* Justin Fitch of Catholic Central High School in Troy,

* Meghan O'Connor of Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady, and

* Jonathan "Jeb" Towne of Saratoga Central Catholic High School in Saratoga.

Q. What would you like to be when you're 25?

Justin: I'll probably still be in college working on a master's or I'll have a good job. Hopefully, I'll be living in the city.

Meghan: An athletic trainer.

Jeb: I see myself having a job, maybe possibly married or living by myself. I think I'll stay in this area.

Q. What are your expectations for this year?

Justin: I will do well in my studies and excel in sports. Also I'll have fun; it is my last year.

Meghan: It's a really tough year. I have physics and honors classes. It's hard finding time to balance it. Then there's the college applications. There's pressure trying to balance it all.

Jeb: I expect my grades to be good. There's not as much pressure as last year. So far this soccer season, we've had the best record we've ever had as a school. I expect our basketball and baseball teams to do well.

Q. As we move into the next century, what issues do you think deserve attention?

Justin: Of course, the environment. We can't make as many mistakes as we did in this century. We need to realize past mistakes and correct them for the future.

Meghan: The basic issues: drugs and alcohol. We need to inform kids when they're little.

Jeb: Violence in schools. It's coming up more and more. It's an issue you don't want to have.

Q. If you could talk to the Pope, what would you say to him?

Justin: I'd be amazed at first. I'd ask him what was his favorite place he's been to and why. He's traveled more than any other pope.

Meghan: I would ask him if he were allowed to back down. His health is questionable, so you can question the job he was doing. He needs to move on.

Jeb: He's getting older, so he can't do as much, but I'd tell him he sets the right example. Hopefully, the next pope is as good as he is.

Q. Is there any issue facing the Church that teens can do something about?

Justin: The divorce thing. [Many] marriages end in divorce. A lot of my generation has been affected. It really screws up families. Young people should choose carefully. You should really be sure before you get married.

Meghan: I think if young people want to be involved they need to step up and do something about it. The Church isn't going to beg people to get involved.

Jeb: Young people can always get more involved whether it's youth group or community service.

Q. In the past six months, what effect has your faith had on you?

Justin: I've had to make a lot of decisions. My faith is there when I'm not exactly sure. It's comforting when you wonder what you are going to do for the rest of your life, to know that God is always going to be there.

Meghan: Right now, I'm concerned because my little sister has a heart murmur. I had another sister who died of heart problems. With my faith, I know it'll be fine. Also, I'm thankful because I've been able to get everything done so far.

Jeb: When I look at colleges, it helps me to make decisions. I think, "Is this a place where I can live out my values?"

Q. Is drug use, including alcohol and tobacco, an issue at your school?

Justin: No, not really. It's not really a problem. It's not widespread. People here are very mature.

Meghan: No, not really. You know that there are kids that do that. If they do, they do it out of school.

Jeb: It's an issue at every school, but it's not bad here. When I was younger, I heard more about it.

Q. Is peer pressure an issue for you?

Justin: It's a problem at every school, but people here pretty much do what they want to do.

Meghan: No. Everyone respects people here. I don't see it.

Jeb: I think it doesn't affect me. I'm a senior; I can make my own choices.

Q. At the end of your senior year, what will you have achieved?

Justin: I will be settled in the college of my choice. I will have done well in sports, and I will have lasting memories of my friends.

Meghan: I will have gotten good grades and done well in sports.

Jeb: I will have been a role model, done well in sports and with my grades, and will leave a good example for other kids.

(11-04-99) [[In-content Ad]]