2023 has ended, and it’s time to make way for the new year. Marriotts Ridge students were asked about some of their favorite moments from the past year and needless to say 2023 was unique in its own way although many are excited to see what 2024 brings.
To start the year off, students were asked about their favorite memories from the past year, and while there were many to choose from, a few stood out above the rest.
“Multicultural Night for sure,” senior Reyansh Attavar explained, expressing how it was a nice night where he could celebrate his and others’ cultures, enjoy food and festivities and watch cultural performances.
Many seniors recall their favorite senior events such as prom, a nice evening event where everyone got all dressed up, hung out with friends and got out on the dance floor.
“It was fun to dress up and although everything was coming to a close, it was a bittersweet memory… and it was very cool to be at M&T bank stadium,” recalled 2023 graduate Elizabeth Early.
Aside from major senior events, another surreal memory for 2023 seniors was their graduation as they looked back on how far they’ve come.
“It was an unreal moment. A very cute moment, and I felt like ‘how are we graduating,’” stated 2023 graduate Isabel Matthews.
New year’s resolutions are a tradition that many partake in to attempt to start better habits. Some stick to their resolutions, while others don’t always follow through.
“I didn’t make any for 2023, but for 2024 I hope to get closer to my religion and focus on school”, stated senior Zarmeen Javed.
In addition to New Year’s resolutions many students made goals for the school year too.
“I got my college applications in before the Early Decision deadline was over…I was actually pretty happy about that, ” stated senior Anthony Angarita who explained that finishing college applications on time was one of his biggest goals for the year.
Throughout every year there are numerous holidays that many celebrate and this year was no different.
“4th of July this year was fun, and Halloween too,” junior Ella Ugiansky exclaimed.
The winter holiday season was a favorite for many, with many students who anticipated that they would be the best holidays in 2023.
“This year Christmas felt like Christmas,” exclaimed senior Christy Lee, who thought this past year finally felt normal again and with the stress of college applications over, she was able to fully enjoy her Christmas.
One of this year’s freshmen explained what it has been like for him with the transition from middle school to high school, a time that can be an exciting and nerve-racking experience.
“It’s less scary than I thought it would be, but I saw a difference in the amount of responsibility,” recalled freshman Jonathan Fonville.
In a recap of the year 2023, students were asked how their school year has been so far, especially the transition from one grade to another, and if they would change anything about what they did?
“I really want to start getting more involved with different things in Howard County, and really connect more within the community,” Ugiansky stated.
Sharing a different sentiment that also reflected upon their year, seniors shared similar thoughts about what the year was like.
“It went by too fast, but the ending has been solid,” stated seniors Attavar and Angarita.
As the year 2023 comes to a close students take the time to reflect on what the 2024 new year will bring. From the glamor of events such as prom and Multicultural Night, to the bittersweetness of graduation, each experience marked a chapter in the lives of Marriotts Ridge students throughout the year 2023.