Tim Skeval, Steven Baker and Nick Mannion
Staff Writers
As the fourth marking period of the 2017 school year starts, many seniors are moving on to the next chapter in their lives. For most seniors it will be college for the next four years.
Two seniors at Jamesville-DeWitt High School were rewarded for great their academic accomplishments with acceptances into two elite colleges. Daniel Blumenthal’s life all changed this past March when he was accepted into Harvard University. “I haven’t told Harvard I will attend yet, but I got accepted on March 30,” said Blumenthal, who is also considering SUNY Binghamton and Syracuse University. Blumenthal and his parents were “more than excited” when he got the email. Lydia Schooler was also accepted into a top college this past December, when she was accepted into Yale University. “I was extremely happy,” said Schooler, who does plan on attending Yale next fall. Schooler applied as a Biology and Anthropology major, but does not know what she wants to major in yet. Besides Yale, Schooler was accepted into the University of Virginia, SUNY Binghamton, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.
One senior who does not plan on attending college next year is Jake DeRutte. DeRutte plans on taking a gap year next year to work with Americorps. Americorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that help community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health and homeland security. Members of Americorps serve in full or part-time positions over a 10-12 month period. Once Americorps members service is completed they receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 to pay for college.
DeRutte says that he wants to work with Americorps because it is a good opportunity for him to see more of the country. DeRutte requested to work out West, but the decision will be randomly made. After his service, DeRutte plans on going to college for anthropology, and he thinks that working with Americorps will give him some experience in that field. “If I’m working out West I will be able to work with many Native American tribes, and experience and work with different cultures,” said DeRutte. Another main factor in DeRutte’s decision in taking a gap year was that he wanted to have had more “life experiences” before college. “A lot of kids tend get pushed into college and I wanted to go to college on my terms,” said DeRutte.
While some students plan on going to college out of state, many like to stay in-state and close to home. “I want to stay close to home so I can see my family more and it is an easier trip from Syracuse,” said senior Ryan Collins, who will be attending St. John Fisher College. Another senior who is going to college in-state is Jake Greenway. “I’m excited for the next chapter in my life,” said Greenway, who will attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall of 2017 along with senior Lexi Wynn. Senior Mingus Betsy, along with his family, felt that attending OCC was the best decision for him. “It will be convenient to stay close,” said Betsy. Joining Betsy at OCC is senior Janayjah Derby, Derby says that she wants to stay close to home at OCC for two years, and then go to SUNY Buffalo State.
Some seniors will not only be taking their academic talents to the next level but their athletic talents, too. Seniors like Trey Greene and Eli “Tank“ Williams will both be playing football in college. “I really look forward to the opportunity of playing in college,” said Greene, who will be attending SUNY Cortland. “All of my hard work will finally pay off,” said Williams, who is thinking about attending a prep school called Milford Academy. Football is not the only sport that has multiple athletes going to play in college.
For boys lacrosse, multiple seniors will take the next step in their athletic careers, including senior Matt Paul will attend SUNY Brockport. “I can’t wait for the opportunity to take my game to the next level,” said Paul. Paul is not the only senior attending Brockport; seniors Kyle Cappelletti and Kyle Hurley both will be joining Paul. “I am happy to join my teammates on that field for another four years,” stated Cappelletti.
Seniors have worked hard at J-DHS and will carry many memories with them. “I have had a great experience at J-D, and I will miss it, but I am really looking forward to college,” said senior Josh Kowalczyk