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2021 Alpha Omegas
2021
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PARKER MILES, contributing writer
30 members of the class of 2021 have attended HIES for 13 or more years.
At HIES, many students come and go, but only a handful can say that they have attended the school for 13 or more years. These individuals are the Alpha Omegas. Each year, there are roughly 20 Alpha Omegas in a graduating class, but this year, an astonishing 30 individuals have the privilege of saying that they have been able to experience all divisions the school has to offer. From playing on the Alan A. Lewis Primary School Primary School playground to receiving a high school diploma, the Alpha Omegas have created a plethora of memories in their time at HIES. What makes being an Alpha Omega so special? Five seniors from the class of 2021 share their perspectives.
William Welden, one Alpha Omega in this year’s graduating class, acknowledged that one of the best things about being an Alpha Omega is the myriad of memories that are made along the way. Reflecting upon moments in the Dorothy Sullivan Lower School, for example, often brings a smile to an Alpha Omega’s face.
“Two [memories] that stand out would be when we did the Diet Coke explosion in first grade, and when we had Polar Express Day in second grade,” Welden said. Those who attended HIES in lower school fondly recall their experience acting and singing in the fifth grade musical. The class of 2021 performed Oklahoma, and Abbie Reams, another Alpha Omega, played the role of a principal dancer.
“I had such a fun time performing, especially since I had never been in a production before,” Reams said. “It was such an exciting experience that our grade got to share.”
Reams, like many other Alpha Omegas, acknowledge that some of the best memories they have made were not just individual ones, but also moments of bonding and collaboration with their peers.
“My favorite memory is attending the [Project 2050 Conference] in Canada with Round Square,” Alpha Omega Melina Sharp said. “It was so beautiful to see and explore Banff while becoming close with all of the students from other schools, but also from HIES who came on the trip.”
Looking at a school’s campus and culture across a decade, many aspects change, though some things remain the same.
“I believe the leadership, campus, and academics have changed the most,” Sharp said.
Hayden Puett, HIES attendee since pre-school, said, “As I have progressed, I have moved from staying with the same 15 people in my class all year to having classes with different people from different grades.” In addition, she adds a different perspective, mentioning that she has “formed much deeper relationships with [her] peers and teachers over the years.”
On the opposite side of the spectrum, some Alpha Omegas have found that the best parts about HIES are the things that never change.
“The most consistent thing over my 13 years at HI is definitely the quality of the people in our school community,” Puett said. “HI has always felt like home due to the close-knit family of our school community and that is something that I will miss dearly upon leaving.”
Welden adds a different perspective, saying, “many of my preschool, elementary school, and middle school teachers are still here and they are still interested in what I am up to.” Welden has kept in touch with some HIES faculty members who taught him over 10 years ago.
Alpha Omegas at HIES have remained at HIES because there are many captivatingl things about the community that make them return year after year.
James Watson, another Alpha Omega, said, “The community of people and the friends I have made at HI made me not even consider wanting to attend another school.” He continues, “I never thought about going to another school because I always knew just how special the teachers, faculty, and students were.”
Because of the small class sizes and the caring environment, those who have been a part of the community often describe the relationships at HIES closer to family than friends.
“My school friends became my family, and my life would not be my own without navigating through it with them,” Puett said.
Arguably the most important part about being an Alpha Omega is that each student has been able to take away numerous valuable life-lessons.
“I learned that when you really enjoy a subject or a particular topic, it never feels like a chore.” Watson said.
Reams added a completely different perspective, mentioning that she has learned “the importance of giving back to the community.” She elaborates, “I know this has instilled in me a desire to think of others before myself, especially when times are hard.”
Similarly, Puett says, “From visiting homeless shelters to working at soup kitchens, I have learned what a wonderful gift it is to have the opportunity to reach out into the community and help those less fortunate than me,” Puett said. “HI has exemplified that giving back, even in seemingly small ways, can make a huge difference in the lives of others as we build relationships with people we would not have interacted with otherwise.”
Above all, the Alpha Omegas at HIES are not just individuals who gain knowledge from experience. Rather, they are individuals who have a great deal of wisdom to offer to younger students in the HIES community.
“Keep the people you feel the happiest and most accepted around close to you,” Sharp said. “Those relationships will be the most valuable.”
In terms of the academic perspective, Puett said, “Play the long game and try to keep perspective within the big picture of high school.” Puett provides her own personal account by mentioning, “Too often, I allowed trivial things like a singular test grade or one lost tennis match to unravel my world and temporarily break me. I have benefited more from my small failures than been hurt by them, which is why I view each failure as a great life lesson of what not to do for the future.”
HIES has also taught its Alpha Omegas the importance of becoming personally invested in the community through clubs and organizations. Between academics, athletics, and arts, those who have been a part of HIES for over a decade have had the chance to sample a variety of different activities and discover their passions.
“Get involved with the HI community in ways that are meaningful to you,” Reams said. In addition, she also provides a key distinction between reasons why an individual should join a club at HIES. “Don’t join a club or activity just for the sake of a college application. You’ll become more inclined to participate in clubs and activities if you are passionate about them.”
Making these choices about which organizations to join requires responsibility.
“Part of the fun of high school is figuring out everything on your own and becoming more mature because of it,” Welden said. He believes the best way to grow as an individual is to learn through trial and error.
“Find the thing you enjoy and the people you love to be around,” Watson said. “Treat every moment like it’s the last, because eventually, it will be the last day, and the experience will be behind you.”
