HopNews
It all Started Here!
As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, seniors are looking back on the moments, lessons, friendships, and experiences that shaped their four years. From lifelong memories to advice they wish they had heard sooner, each story reflects a different part of their journey.
Before everyone turns the page and heads off to UConn, Tampa, Clemson, Skidmore, UMass, and beyond, I asked a sampling of the graduating Class of 2026 to reflect on their time here at Hopkinton High School (HHS). I also asked them to leave some advice behind for the class that follows. I also included my answers to the questions.
Here is what they/we had to say (in no particular order):
Ella Tedstone — University of Connecticut
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of high school was the little moments with my friends, like getting food after school or going on random trips during study periods.
Those little memories ended up meaning the most to me and made school feel a lot more fun and memorable, as I know those opportunities are pretty much exclusive to high school, and you don’t really do things like that post-grad.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
The biggest advice I would give my freshman self is to choose electives based on what genuinely interests you, not just what looks impressive or boosts your GPA.
You’ll enjoy school so much more when you’re taking classes you actually care about instead of forcing yourself into things for appearances.
It’s also a good chance to get to know yourself and figure out what you might want to study in college.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class I took in high school was Peer Mentor because it never really felt like a class in the traditional sense. Being able to work with and support students with special needs was really rewarding, and it often felt more like spending time with friends than being graded on assignments.
I made so many lasting connections. This is the class that makes graduating feel bittersweet.
Maddie Fitzpatrick — University of Tampa
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was the fall of senior year with football games, senior Halloween, pep rally, and homecoming.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
If I were to advise my freshman self, I would definitely say to be open-minded and to trust that everything will work out.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class I took in high school was AP Psychology with Mrs. Griffey. She was the best teacher, the topic of Psychology is so interesting, and I was always looking forward to going to that class.
Cadyn Rosendale — University of Colorado, Boulder
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was meeting my best friends and watching everyone find themselves.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
A piece of advice I would give to my freshman self is to put yourself out there more, because it ends so much more quickly than you think.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class at Hopkinton High School was my first year of AP United States History because it was the first time I took a class I was genuinely interested in, and that also challenged me.
Andrew Cooper — Clemson University
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was creating friendships along the way. I enjoyed every moment I had with my friends, and there were never any dull ones.
Experiences like Senior Sunrise, attending sports games, and going to the beach were all so much fun and allowed me to take in my high school experience fully.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
One piece of advice I would give to my freshman self is to enjoy it while it lasts, because before you know it, time flies by, and you’re leaving all your best friends to enter a brand-new chapter of your life.
High school will be some of the best years of your life, so cherish every moment you have and make the best of it. Say yes to everything, and you will make friends and create memories that last a lifetime.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class I took in high school was Spanish, either in my sophomore or senior year. Those two years, my teachers were very nice and relaxed, and I had some friends in those classes. I loved learning the language, and there were fun activities.
Gabby Pattie — Simmons University
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was being a part of the girls’ varsity volleyball program. I hold so many great memories from when we won the TVL champs, to the bus rides home after winning a big game.
The culture and the girls are what made this my favorite part of high school because they taught me so many life lessons, both within the sport and life in general. Having the opportunity to serve as a 2-year captain taught me how to lead, communicate, build trust, and develop decision-making skills.
There wasn’t one day in the fall that I didn’t look forward to practice or a game after school, and I think that is a true testament to the love I hold for this program.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self always to have a good time. Even if the day is not going your way, it doesn’t mean you can’t turn it around and make the most out of the given situation.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class was AP Psychology. Learning about how the human mind and body work was fascinating. There were so many times in class when we would go over a topic, and many of us would either be able to relate to it or have a story that connected to the concept we were learning.
The class was very interactive with many in-person demos and experiments. I will never forget the first day of school when Mr. Hamilton tricked us all into thinking he could read our minds.
Landon Van Buren — Skidmore College
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part was connecting with a wide range of people throughout high school. Whether it’s participating in sports, taking a manager role, or connecting with people outside of class.
I learned a lot about myself through others and sincerely believe adolescent human connection is quintessential to the development of a young man.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
If I could advise myself as a freshman, I would encourage myself to enjoy my time a little more. Now, being done with classes and graduation approaching,
I realize that I spent too much time complaining about my time in high school and didn’t appreciate all the idiosyncrasies that make it memorable.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class in High School was AP Psychology with Mrs. Griffey. Psychology was one of the classes, if not the only class, where I was deeply intrigued by the knowledge I was consuming.
It encourages an open mind and critical thinking. Although the assessments were heavily intertwined with memorizing terms, I felt that the information I gathered taught me about others as well as myself.
Tenley Winn — University of Iowa
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was finding my people. I am grateful for the connections I’ve made and the friendships I know will last a lifetime, because they’re what made high school so special.
I was able to enjoy the little things like sporting events and dances with the people I love!
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I was able to enjoy the little things like sporting events and dances with the people I love!
I would say never take things too seriously. High school is the place to find yourself and figure out who you want to be.
These four years are so small in comparison to the rest of your life; it’s so important to take these years and have fun, live your life, and take risks!
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class was US History with Mr. Mulvey, period 7. That class was my favorite class of all time. Not only do I love history, but my teacher also made learning enjoyable.
Mr. Mulvey was such an incredible teacher, insightful and able to make me think from every perspective. I will remember that class forever.
Katie Dellacioppa — University of Massachusetts, Amherst
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my High School experience was being involved in athletics. Because I was a part of a team every season of my four years, I don’t know what it is like to be in high school without practices occupying my time and being a part of the team environment.
Reflecting on my decisions, I wouldn’t change any of them, as they were a huge part of my time at HHS.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
One piece of advice I would give to my freshman year self is to slow down and enjoy every moment.
Time flies by, and you don’t realize how short four years go by until you’re approaching the end.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class at HHS was Spanish. The material itself wasn’t the easiest or my specialty; however, the class as a whole, with my classmates and teachers, made the experience.
Memories I have made over the past four years in Spanish class will last a lifetime.
Maci Ober — Bentley University
What was your favorite part of your high school experience?
My favorite part of my high school experience was making lifelong friendships and memories. I find myself laughing every single day surrounded by all my friends, which I am going to miss a lot next year when we are all separated. I am very grateful for these relationships and hope to hold onto them moving forward.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
One piece of advice I would give to my freshman self is to stay as organized as possible and keep an agenda or planner. Planning out your daily tasks makes things a lot easier and more manageable.
What was your favorite class in high school, and why?
My favorite class in high school was AP Government and Politics with Mr. Simoes. I found this class super interesting and fun because Mr. Simoes always kept us engaged. I look forward to taking similar classes in college.
Conclusion
Though each student’s path looks different, our reflections share a common theme: high school went far beyond grades and schedules. It was about finding friendships, discovering passions, overcoming challenges, and learning who we want to become.
No matter where we go from here, our voices will always be part of the Class of 2026’s story at HHS.
For the students still walking these halls: take chances, appreciate the little moments, and make the most of the time you have because before you know it, it will be your turn to look back too.
Maci Ober
Hopkinton
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