VERTICAL Nease
Class of 2025
As the 2025 school year comes to an end, seniors have less and less time to spend with their friends and families. While some students are starting their college or trade school classes in the summer, many will be starting in the fall. The summer after senior year is known as being superior, filled with grad parties, pool, and beach days, while everyone is valuing the little time left with their high school friends. Here are some fun ideas to make the last summer in high school the best.
Some of the most popular vacation spots for seniors is Clearwater beach and St. Augustine beach, luckily, Clearwater is only 4 hours south of Ponte Vedra, so it makes for an easy drive. When discussing her trip to Clearwater FL last spring break, Samantha Akers, a freshmen at FSU, said, “my senior trip was so special because I got to spend time with my friends before we went our separate ways to college, it really made my spring and summer more enjoyable because I knew that I could cherish the little time left I had with my friends.” Samantha and her friends spent time at restaurants, walking by the beach, and tanning by the beach. Some trips might seem unreasonable being hundreds and almost thousands of dollars, but the trip for Samantha cost her and her friends around $550 including gas and food, saying that the trip itself was priceless.
Another popular senior spot is Seaside, or Rosemary Beach, Florida. Senior Addison Shockey spent time there last summer with friends and says it was the “perfect weekend getaway.” Addison and her friends spent time walking on the beach at sunrise and sunset, shopping in neighboring towns and tanning at the pool and beach. The condo she stayed at came with beach cruisers, so it made getting around the town fun and easy. With a variety of restaurants and shops, Rosemary beach makes for a great trip with family and/or friends. There are many vacation spots within a few hours that make for a great senior trip, and nonetheless, there are many spots close to Jacksonville that are reasonably priced and make for a great staycation.
Speaking of staycation, Daniel Pace is a senior at Nease high school and lives just 15 minutes from St. Augustine Beach. When asked what he is looking forward to the most about his senior summer he said, “I am looking forward to a stress-free summer and fun senior trips with my friends.” Living close to St. Augustine Beach has its perks for sure, Daniel often spends his time surfing at the beach or even just going for a swim or runs on the beach. While St. Augustine Beach has raving reviews, the Jacksonville area has many other easy access beaches: Mickler’s Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, and each have their own things that make them unique. For instance, Neptune beach has many restaurants and surf shops making it fun for a quick night out, while Mickler’s beach has extensive parking space making it one of the easiest to access in the summer.
Picture of Clearwater Beach
Picture of Rosemary Town
AdmissionCollegeStats
By: Meera Swami
There’s no better feeling than being finally finished with college applications. The stress of getting test scores up, crafting the perfect essay, and sleepless nights are finally over now that decisions have been released from the colleges. As time continues, colleges have increasingly raised their standards and become more selective of the students they admit. While sometimes it may seem impossible to be the perfect student that colleges look for, different colleges value certain areas of an application, like extracurriculars, more than other aspects such as test scores. Since most Florida school admissions have been released, let’s take a look at the large universities in Florida and dive into their admitted student’s statistics and thier decision process.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Just this year, UF introduced for the first time the Early Action Decision, which allows students to apply earlier and hear a decision much quicker than those that decide to apply Regular Decision. This decision is non-binding, meaning that if a student gets accepted, they are not legally bound or committed to the college. With UF having an acceptance rate of 23% and having over 67,000 applications just for Early Action, the university was very selective this year. Based on the class of 2028, the average admitted student had a GPA of 4.5-4.7, SAT between 1360-1500, and ACT between 30-34 (admissions.ufl.edu).
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
FSU saw a 49% increase in Florida resident applications and a 50% increase in admits compared to last year (admissions.fsu.edu). FSU’s 25% acceptance rate establishes itself as another selective school in Florida. While FSU looks for certain grades and test scores, they have 3 core values that hold importance to them: strength (vires), skill (artes), and character (mores). Strength is seen as the rigor of classes taken, test scores, and GPA.n more about student’s personality and experiences that have shaped them.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA AND UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
UCF, one of the largest universities in the nation, is home to around 70,000 students. The most popular majors are psychology, business, computer science, and health sciences, with a 43% acceptance rate (ucf.edu). The middle 50% of fall students for the class of 2028 had an SAT score from 1270-1390 and ACT from 26-30. USF is similar to UCF in terms of their acceptance rates and testing requirements.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
FAU’s unbeatable location in Boca Raton and its wide range of undergraduate programs including business administration, nursing, and engineering, makes it a very appealing university to attend. FAU’s acceptance rate of 73% makes it the optimal choice for students whose scores lie in the range of 20-24 for the ACT and 3.3-4.0 for GPA. The stats for admitted students who chose the Early Action decision for summer/fall 2025 were a 4.08 GPA, 1200 SAT, and 25 ACT.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
Located right here in Jacksonville, UNF is a top choice for those who want to major in nursing, business, public affairs, and public health as it was recognized to be one of the best graduate schools by US News & World report. UNF’s admission process relies mostly on academic merit, meaning that they admit students based on their academic qualifications. Students with a GPA in the range of 3.62-4.57, SAT between 1000-1300, and ACT between 19-29 are likely to be admitted based on statistics of admitted students for summer and fall 2024 (unf.edu).
ATHLETES... WHATS NEXT?
BY: Emily Fleming
Only about 7% of high school athletes, or roughly 1 in 13, go on to play a varsity sport in college (ScholarshipStats, n.d.). That statistic alone highlights just how rare and impressive it is to continue competing at the next level. Nease’s senior class of 2025 have broken the barriers with a whopping 29 seniors who have committed to playing their sports at the collegiate level, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
One of those athletes is Shemar McNair, who will be playing football at Army West Point. When asked about his recruiting journey, Shemar shared that the experience was an exciting and eye-opening one. “In the summer of my junior year, I received lots of invites to be a part of college camps and unofficial visits. Just being on campus and seeing people have fun in an environment I want to be in was really eye-opening for me.” said McNair. For many athletes, junior year is a crucial time to gain exposure, connect with coaches, and set the stage for future opportunities. His journey showcases how pivotal those early visits and exposures can be in making a college decision.
For Carmen Palenik, who is set to play women’s lacrosse at Lewis University, the recruitment process was a test of patience and perseverance. “I look at it the recruitment process as a testament to my patience and determination.” That relentless drive has paid off, and as Palenik prepares for college athletics, she has big goals in mind. “I want to make a difference as soon as I step on campus, athletically and academically, be an asset all across the field and put my hard work to use.” With her relentless mindset, Palenik is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and make the most of her collegiate career.
The commitment to play at the college level is no small feat. From juggling academics with rigorous training schedules, to navigating the stress of recruitment, these athletes have put in years of effort to reach this point. The class of 2025 is sending off a strong group of competitors into the collegiate sport world. Taking their talents beyond high school, they carry with them the lessons, friendships, and experiences from their times at Nease. Their dedication is proof that with hard work and persistence it is possible to beat the odds and achieve something truly special.
Pictured from top to bottom : Charlotte Driesse swimming at Kentucky, Shemar McNair playing football at Army West Point, Isabel Bostic playing soccer at FAU, Jackson Coughlin playing lacrosse Lynn University, Brandon Strout playing lacrosse at Florida southern, Carmen Palenik playing lacrosse at Lewis University, Issie Mosley cheerin at Appalachin State, and Walker Lanoue swimming at Tampa University. For a full list of every athlete commited to play at the next level, see nhsvertical.com.
Through a Senior’s Perspective : Changes at Nease
By: Riley Chance
Over the last four years, Nease has made considerable changes that affect the student population. As a senior whose been at Nease since the fall of 2021, I have witnessed these changes firsthand along with my fellow seniors who have formed opinions about the various changes on campus. These changes can be considered nostalgic because the class of 2025 was here to experience the transitions firsthand, especially since it was the first in person school year since Covid. Down the hallways you can hear seniors reminiscing on things that changed, recalling good memories of how it was before or how they couldn’t believe things were ever so different. Some changes were big and some were small, but they all impacted us in the school we called home since freshman year.
D Lunch
Remarkably, during freshman year, the lunch block was split into four lunches: A, B, C, and D. D lunch, which started at 12:45, was reserved for science, PE, performing arts classes, and was dreaded by students. An hour and a half felt like forever waiting for the lunch bell to ring. Senior Gio Tefel states that D lunch was “overcrowded there was never any food left in the line.” Students who did not fit into the first three lunches were placed in D lunch, a solution that left students cramped and hungry during the day. Tefel recalls being starving during class which impacted her learning. “I was starving, and I used to drink my entire water bottle in fourth period to keep me going.” After freshman year, D lunch was eliminated, and the schedule was modified to work with just three lunches. This was well received as students weren’t as crowded in the cafeteria, school lunch was still available, and students didn’t have to wait so long to eat their midday meal.
K- Pod Renovations
In Sophomore year, K Pod went under construction due to black mold found in the building. The tiles had to be removed and replaced for the students’ safety. This impacted the entire school as the art classes held inside K pod had to relocate to the portables. This lasted for the whole year as when we returned for Junior year K pod was reopened with a brand-new art gallery to display students’ work. Senior Adiana Reyes-Kildare claims that the renovation was “nothing special” and it didn’t impact her class as much as she thought it would. After the renovation, students were relocated back into K pod where art classes could resume normal lessons and classes.
Senior Parking Spots
The newest addition on the list is the brand-new senior parking spots that were introduced this year. Instead of painting the panther paws trekking in front of the stadium, this was the first-year seniors could paint an entire parking spot. These parking spots were not reserved but served as an important memory for incoming seniors. Senior Shannon Fischer was one of the first students to create her perfect senior parking spot. “My inspiration came from Pinterest where I found similar fish designs, I wanted to copy,” said Fischer. “When I started, I drew out my fish with chalk with painted over with multiple blue shades for the water. Then I went in with white and orange for the fish.” Fischer recounted that she loved painting her spot, but it was difficult because of the hot temperature outside. Nease is ever evolving through the changes made around campus. This year we saw a new principal take the floor as well as a new prom location. What we see here today can be completely different in the next 10 years, but the memories we are a part of now will last forever through the class of 2025.
Photo Credits: Shannon Fischer
Photo Credits: Nease Website
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Gabriela Aristiguieta-Salcedo
Austin Agatep
Tyler Barbour
Allison Bowles
Isabel Bostic
Evan Blase
Kayte Buttacavoli
Gabriella Catlin
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Ryan Centeno
Riley Chance
Rylee Compton
Keara Condon
Gabriela Cook
Pranav Devanand
Madison Duarte
Zara Duowuona-Hammond
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Tristan Evans
Emily Fleming
Devin Fugiel
Eva Gassert
Max Gialluca
Jackson Garnecki
Addisyn Gross
Austen Escoffery
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Ava Hirst
Keira Hirst
Lila Hirst
Maggie Hooks
Chloe Migut
Amber Jones
Andrew Jones
Isla Halman
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Bella Kimball
Sarah Kim
Sumukh Kashyap
Franziska Kasten
Elizabeth Swallow
Emma Kelly
Scarlette Kennedy
Braden Leonard
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Claire Madson
Addison McAlpin
Marisa McNally
Issie Mosley
Andrew Moses
Jackson Mollo
Sophia Lindsay Alisha Mian
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Daniel Pace-Balzan
Enrique Pascasio
Madison Pedreiro
Veronica Quintin
Elena Schaffstein
Meera Swami
Christian Mondesir
McKenna Owens-Young
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Sydney Taylor
Landon Tobin
Anthony Wein
Valeria Vega
Adelaide Wilson
Berkley Wiltfong
Ayden Stroud
Calvin Strals
Class of 2025: Then and Now
Isaac Wright Yomara Romney
Then vs. Now Senior Careers
By: Emma Kelly
As our senior panthers look to their future, nostalgia for their time at school comes flooding in. They may think back to the common question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” that is asked in kindergarten classrooms across the United States. Answers may have ranged from firefighters, to doctors, teachers, or even a character from their favorite TV show. Whether their answers reflected what their parents did or the media they consume, students may now look back and laugh at their young aspirations. However, as these children transition into the high school years, their perspectives on future careers transform. The whimsical dreams of being a superhero or a teacher have been tainted by the realities of finances and stability. By the time students graduate from high school, academic performance, social pressures, personal interests, and insights into what is required of you in certain careers have changed their goals.
Haley Peterson
When we asked senior Haley Peterson what she wanted to be when she was younger, she said that she had aspirations of being a doctor. However, as she has grown older, she has spent more time with her dad who is a lawyer. Spending time in the court room has fueled her passion for law. She will be pursuing a career as a lawyer at Georgia southern starting this fall.
Jackson Mollo
Similarly, Jackson Mollo wanted to be the quarterback for the New York Jets because he lived in New Jersey and loved football but because he has seen all the good work his dad has done as a lawyer, he will be studying criminal justice at the University of Central Florida.
Taylor Sievert
Taylor Sievert, another senior at Nease says that when she was little she wanted to be an astronaut because she loved outer space but now after doing the engineering academy here at Nease, she has discovered her skills suited for aerospace engineering.
Bryce Trecker
Bryce Trecker also wanted to be a professional NFL athlete but is now going to school to study criminal justice at a four-year university.
Kayte Buttacavoli
Kayte Buttacavoli said that when she was little, she wanted to be an artist and now she is also going to Georgia Southern to pursue a career in graphic design. She chose this path because she wanted to pursue an art career, and graphic design is the most available and well-paying job in that field.
Claire Madson
Claire Madson wanted to be a veterinarian when she was younger but now she is going to Florida State University to major in marketing and eventually work with sports teams and big companies to receive mutually beneficial sponsorships.
Corynne Harkness
Although most students have changed their career paths, a few students have remained consistent from early elementary school into late high school. Corynne Harkness says that ever since she was little she looked up to her teachers and knew that it was the field she wanted to pursue. She will be going to Georgia Southern in the fall to pursue a major in Education.
Mark Moussa
Mark Mussa says that when he was younger, he heard that an anesthesiologist made a lot of money so he decided he wanted to become one. Now, he is pursuing a pre-med degree and although he is not sure what type of doctor he wants to become, he will be some sort of specialist.
Senior Sponsor Spotlight
By: Theodore Tickell
Senior Year- perhaps one of the most anticipated parts of high school. Seniors are filled with pride in themselves, sadness for the time that is ending, and joy or excitement for what is coming next for them. By the time each senior crosses that stage, they’ve almost all decided on their next plans- college, military, a job offer, or even a gap year. Regardless of what comes next, walking the graduation stage is the last step of high school, and first step of adulthood.
Leading up to graduation is all the senior events like Senior Week, Gradbash, and many others. But how are these events planned? Who had the ideas for our Senior Sunrise or media center pajama party? Ms. Mietzner and Ms. Morrison, Senior Sponsors for the Class of 2025, are who make all of our celebrations happen. Whether it’s Gradbash tickets, Cap and Gown, or even just senior dues, they are the face of the senior class of 2025.
Mrs. Mietzner and Ms. Morrison both stated that they “love being Senior Sponsor[s].” They had similar reasons for their enjoyment, a love for helping seniors get to their next step in life.
Ms. Morrison, one of Nease’s English teachers, has classes of both freshmen and seniors. However, she says, “[being senior sponsor lets her] interact with more seniors than I have.” She enjoys getting to learn about students she doesn’t typically teach. Mrs. Mietzner enjoys the same. Mrs. Mietzner stated that one of the hardest parts is “tracking down [seniors] who don’t pay their dues.” Remember rising seniors, you must pay your dues to graduate and get to attend the events our sponsors work to plan!
Mrs. Mietzner also described the task as a learning opportunity. She extended her thanks to Mrs. Bourquin for “leaving [senior sponsor work] in place and ready to be picked up,” and describes this as one of the best parts about the senior sponsor transition from the class of 2024 to the class of 2025.
A lot of the work done by senior sponsors occurs in conjunction with other companies. Herff-Jones has worked closely with Nease to provide senior rings, cap and gown, other senior merch.
Senior sponsors also work with parents. Mrs. Meitzner shouted out dedicated Nease parent Mrs. Madson for her “work with volunteers,” and said she deserves recognition and appraisal for her work for seniors as well. The sponsors have also worked towards graduation for seniors and family. Ms. Morrison walked through the University of North Florida (UNF) auditorium and both sponsors worked with UNF administration for the organization and approval of the event.
Senior sponsors work constantly behind the scenes to ensure the best year for Nease’s seniors before they leave for college. Regardless of the amount of work, they love the work they do, and it’s important to thank them for all the effort they make behind the scenes!
Class of 2025’s Senior Sunrise
Dorm Essentials
By: Kaylee Ireland
As the countdown to college begins, high school seniors are faced with an exciting yet overwhelming task: packing for dorm life. This task leaves many individuals with stress and indecisiveness. With so many options but such limited space, it is vital to know what is essential and what is better left at home. According to Fox News, “overbuying and over-packing are easy mistakes to make.” So, what do you actually need? Let’s break it down.
The Essentials
1. Bedding: Most dorms will provide a twin XL bed, but make sure to specify what your school provides. Bring a comfortable mattress topper, sheets, and comforter. This will make your bed much cozier as the dorm mattresses are typically thin and firm.
2. Storage: Since dorm rooms are small, investing in under-bed storage bins, wire shelves, and space-saving organizers will be lifesaving. This allows the dorm to be more manageable and tidier. Also, due to limited closet space, hanging shelves and shoe racks can greatly help maximize the area.
3. Power Strips & Tech: With limited outlets and space, a surge protector and an extension cord is a necessity. Between laptops, tablets, phones, and more, it will keep all of your devices charged and organized. Moreover, do not forget noise-canceling headphones for late night study sessions.
4. Laundry & Cleaning: To manage your dirty clothes, bring a laundry hamper. If your dorm has stairs, consider a backpack-style hamper. If an elevator is available, invest in one with wheels. This will allow for easier transportation to the laundry room. To maintain a tidy dorm, bring disinfecting wipes and a handheld vacuum. The cleaner the space, the slimmer
the chances are of getting sick.
5. Shower & Toiletries: A shower caddy and flip-flops are non-negotiable for communal bathrooms. They will make your bathroom experience much easier and tolerable. Additionally, only bring two to three towels at most to save space and laundry. “It is better to err on the side of less rather than more due to limited space” says The Turkish Towel Company. It is also important to stock up on shampoo, soap, and other toiletries.
6. Kitchen: For late night cravings, a mini fridge and a microwave are essential. Some colleges provide one or the other for you, but if they do not, it may be smart to invest in both. Another great addition to have is a Brita water filter. This ensures that you will always have clean drinking water. With this, do not forget a reusable water bottle. A water bottle is a huge game changer and is convenient to have with you during the day.
7. Climate Control: Consider the climate of your school, especially for those who are staying in-state. College student Kate Ferguson explains, “One thing I didn’t realize I would need is Damprid packs. Since it’s extremely humid and moist in the dorm rooms, these help so much.” Moisture buildup can lead to mold and unpleasant smells, so packing moisture absorbers can help maintain a fresher environment. Additionally, packing an air purifier is a must as it helps keep the air clean by removing dust and odors. Finally, for those who may not have air conditioning in their dorm, make sure to bring a small fan.
What to Skip
While it is tempting to bring everything, avoid unnecessary items like
excessive clothing and oversized furniture. Most colleges also prohibit candles, certain appliances, and more, so check dorm policies before packing. Additionally, coordinate with your roommate to avoid bringing any duplicate items. College student, Brooklyn Peckiconis shares, “I initially bought LED lights for my room, but I ended up only using my roommate’s fairy lights.” It is crucial to also communicate about larger items like minifridges and microwaves to utilize money and create an organized dorm space. Also, think carefully about what items you will actually use on a daily basis. It is easy to overestimate how much you think you will need. The items that go unused will just end up taking up so much space in an already small dorm room. For instance, a big television screen takes up a lot of room and often goes untouched, making it not a good purchase. The key is to limit clutter as much as possible. Prioritizing essentials over impulse items will help keep your space organized and functional.
Why it Matters
As colleges release housing assignments over the summer, now is the time to plan. Avoid last-minute panicking by starting early and sticking to a checklist. The transition to college is already a significant challenge but packing smart will make it easier. One tip that could be useful is packing light and then buying more items as you go. This allows you to see what you need for your dorm. Don’t forget that each school and dorm plan is different so pack accordingly. Some sites for purchasing dorm supplies include Dormco.com, AtHome.com, and Dormify.com. Additionally, make sure to arrive early to your dorm on move-in day so the setting-up process goes smoothly and efficiently. With this, seniors, as you prepare for the next chapter, remember that less is more. Ultimately, the right essentials will set you up for success.
Graphic created by Kaylee Ireland
The Vertical Staff: Senior Sendoff
By: Chole Migut
Amber Jones
Curated Content/Web Editor, 2 years on staff, attending the University of North Florida, majoring in nursing.
Charlotte Driesse
Co-Podcast Producer, 2 years on staff, attending the University of Kentucky, majoring in nursing and participating in Division 1 swimming.
Elena Schaffstein
Happenstance Art Editor, 1 year on staff, attending Florida State University and majoring in biology.
Emily Fleming
Fundrasing and Event manager, 2 years on staff, attending Florida State University, majoring in clinical professions on the Pre-Med track.
Isabel Bostic
Publisher, 3 years on staff, attending Florida Atlantic University, majoring in business and marketing, playing Division 1 women’s soccer.
Chloe Migut
Print Editor in Chief, 3 years on staff, attending Gettysburg College with a double major in political science and public policy on the Pre-Law track.
Elizabeth Swallow
Happenstance Layout editor, 1 year on staff, attending Florida State University, majoring in psychology, between either forensic psychology or Pre-Law track.
Emma Kelly
Advertising Manager, 1 year on staff, attending University of North Florida to major in english literature.
Kaylee Ireland
Co-Managing editor, 2 years on staff, attending the University of North Florida, majoring in psychcology.
Keara Condon
Co-Business director, 2 years on staff, attending University of North Florida, majoring in biomedical sciences on a PreMed track.
Meera Swami
Layout Managing Editor, 2 years on staff, attending Florida State University, majoring in biological sciences on a Pre-Dental track and later will go to dental School.
Riley Chance
Student Life Editor, 1 year on staff, attending the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, studying marketing and communications.
Theodore Tickell
Web Editor in Chief, 2 years on staff, attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, majoring in aeronautical engineering.
Madison Duarte
Co-Business Director, attending the University of Central Florida, majoring in psychology.
Kylie Nolan
Wired and Yearbook correspondant, 1 year on staff, joining the Air Force after summer.
Naomi Churchill
Layout Editor, 1 year on staff, attending Florida State University majoring in psychology to become a therapist.
Sydney Taylor
Co-Podcast Director, 1 year on staff, attending Ole Miss and is undecided on a major, but plans on rushing.
Veronica Quintin
Creative Director, 2 years on staff, attending Florida State University, majoring in cell and molecular neuroscience on the Pre-Med track.
Jackie Weir
Photographer, 1 year on staff, traveling to Yellowstone National Park and working as a hostess. Studying photography and film studies in Italy after.
