"My advice to upcoming 9th graders would be to stop caring what others think of you. Regardless of how "popular" you are, you are enough, you are interesting, you are special."

- Emily Burton

Class of 2025

Elementary School: Hope Elementary School

Post-High School Plans: After high school I am attending Rhode Island College and majoring in Special Education.

Dream Job: My dream job is to become a Special Education Teacher because I have worked with our school's Unified Team for 7 years and I have also worked with the Special Olympics. I am very passionate when it comes to giving back and being an advocate for those who are usually overlooked.

Who was your favorite teacher or staff member during your time at SHS?:  My favorite teacher is Mrs. Vantine. She is our schools band director/ band class teacher. She has been the most impactful in my life because she has made me feel like I have a place where I belong. She created a family dynamic in her classroom where everyone can be themselves and she empowers us and encourages us to be our best selves. She tells us how it is and helps us work through tough problems so that we can become thriving members of society.

What was your favorite class you took during your time at SHS?:  My favorite class was band class because of the dynamic that Mrs. Vantine has set up. Every time I stepped into the classroom, it felt as though no matter what else was going on outside the classroom, it didn't matter because I was with my family and I could finally just breathe.

What advice would you give to next year’s ninth-grade students?:  My advice to upcoming 9th graders would be to stop caring what others think of you. Regardless of how "popular" you are, you are enough, you are interesting, you are special.

What makes SHS special?: SHS is special because we have such a small community which makes for amazing bonds. I have a great relationship with every single one of my teachers, and even teachers I have never had.

What will you miss the most about SHS? : I will miss all the inside jokes I have with the teachers here. My favorite part of everyday is having a good laugh with my teachers, so I will miss this the most.