Dear Readers,
Being a senior in high school has many ups and downs. You look forward to the fun moments, but feel sentimental at the same time. You are excited to spend time with your friends, but realize these are the final experiences you have together. Each game, event, performance, or meeting is one less until the end. However, making memories and enjoying the moment is what senior year is all about. We wanted to reflect on our experiences and share some advice with you as we finish out our senior year:
Gwendolyn Gray: Being a part of the Navigator has been one of my favorite activities throughout High School. Though I only joined as a sophomore, the Navigator allowed me to express my thoughts and opinions in a professional manner. Throughout my time at Newman, I have learned so much about skills I will use in the future, particularly in my professional and daily life. First, you should always take advantage of the resources available to you. At Newman, there are so many teachers, students, and others looking to help you and better your High School experience. It’s the simple act of asking for help that can benefit your high school career so much! Another skill that I learned is time management, particularly through being a part of the tennis team. Juggling practice, school work, and social life takes a lot of effort and organization, which is taught very well at Newman. Looking back on my Newman experience, I was taught so many life skills that I didn’t even realize; being able to harness these in my daily life is what Newman is all about.
Nick Rezza: I have incredibly enjoyed every part of my Newman experience for the past five years. From the lifelong friendships formed to the strong relationships with teachers and administrators to the memorable experiences I had, I realize Newman is a special place like no other. Each of the teams I have been a part of have shaped who I am today as a person and leader. Being part of the Swim Team taught me the importance of hard work and persistence, the Speech & Debate team helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to use it, the ACTIONS Committee gave me the opportunity to give back to the community, the Executive Committee enabled me to work with others to bring the Upper School community together, Peer Leadership taught me how to use my strengths and weaknesses as a tool and adapt lessons to the freshmen I advised, the Navigator provided me with a space to share things I am interested in with the school community, and the Pioneer allowed me to appreciate the art of others and the power of words. As I reflect on my time at Newman, my biggest advice is to get involved in the community and find a way to make a difference, don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new (who knows, you may like it), and enjoy the moment and have fun because it’s going to go by way too fast. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making my Newman experience something I will cherish
for years to come.
Thank you to the Navigator Staff for all of your hard work this year! Your dedication and creative minds allowed this edition to come together so well. Thank you to all of our readers for taking the time to support and appreciate our work! Thank you to Ms. Wilson for offering us amazing guidance and advice. Finally, thank you to the Newman community for providing us with the best high school experience one could ask for. Go Greenies!
Signing off,
Gwendolyn Gray ’25 & Nick Rezza ’25
Senior Executive Editors-In-Chief
