A Senior’s Reflection on High School: Memories That Shaped Us

HIGHLIGHTS. The 2025 Seniors line up to take a photo for senior sunrise. As graduation approaches, seniors reflect on memories, big and small, that made their high school years meaningful. Photo courtesy of Lily Youngmann.

High school is a time of growth, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. While classes and coursework are central to the journey, it is often the shared moments—both spontaneous and planned—that leave the greatest impact. As students look back on their time at VHS, they recall stories that highlight the spirit, humor, and connection that defined their high school years.

For Jane Howsmon, one standout memory was participating in the school’s lip sync performance.

“My favorite memory was doing the lip sync because we all got together and it was really, really fun,” Howsmon said.

Featuring songs by Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars, the performance offered students a chance to come together and express themselves creatively.

Abby Furr found joy in the smaller, unexpected moments in the classroom.

“I liked when we made tortillas in Spanish class. That was fun,” Furr recalled.

The break from the standard curriculum made the experience even more memorable for her. This hands-on activity stood out as a unique experience that broke away from the typical academic schedule and brought a new energy into the classroom. 

“It was a fun thing to do in class that was not in the usual routine,” Furr continued. 

Raena Joyce reflected on her involvement in the school’s HIV awareness assemblies as a teen council member.  “I think the HIV assemblies are always fun. Being on stage and getting to yap at a bunch of children—it’s a blast,” she joked.

One particularly amusing memory involved a freshman who shouted the phrase “Greenis” during the assembly—and continued to repeat it throughout the rest of the day, leaving a lasting impression on Joyce and her classmates.

For Sam Moreland, one of the most memorable experiences came during freshman year, in a moment of rebellion.

“Me and my friends cut school to go to Mom’s, and Kirk saw us walking out of school. He followed us in his car all the way there,” Moreland explained.

In a twist of events, they were nearly caught by the former principal—until a woman intervened, warning them just in time.

“At the time, my dad worked right across from Mom’s, so we ran to his work and told him to give us a ride back to school,” Sam said, laughing at the memory.

Sailor Frith shared a moment of chaotic urgency during senior assassin after leaving tennis practice early. 

“I looked back to see Elsa and Lily chasing me, so I dropped both my bags and sprinted through the bushes,” she recalled.

While the shortcut to her car resulted in scratches, the adrenaline of the moment made it unforgettable.

Kora Murphy described a variety of experiences that marked her high school years.  “One high school memory I'll never forget is walking up on my friend after she crashed a car into a ditch. When I looked, I saw the car half in the air,” she shared.

In contrast to that intense moment, she also remembered the joy of community and tradition.  “All the football games and my love for the school spirit at VHS is very strong,” she said proudly. 

Whether it was bonfires at KVI, hangouts at Dockton, or funny moments in class—like when Murphy’s friend stole her phone—these moments captured the essence of Murphy’s high school experience. 

 “Mrs. Miller had to email her because she saw the commotion,” Murphy recalled fondly. 

These stories, each unique in tone and memory, are woven together by the shared experience of high school. They remind us that it’s not just the academic achievements we remember, but the friendships, the unexpected adventures, and the laughter that define these formative years.