Though financial and employment challenges may have limited possibilities for adults in our community, Morgan Hill youth feel that the academic and life lessons they learned in high school have earned them incredible opportunities for their future. Graduating seniors value their high school teachers, friends and activities that have opened their eyes and hearts, inspiring these teens to become viable contributing members of their communities. For the Class of 2009, significant friendships, developing understandings and adventures have compensated for family financial and employment difficulties. The students' futures are as bright as they ever could have been.
The downturn in the economy may help initiate new industries and jobs in biological research or "green" technology; the Morgan Hill community has some young hopefuls interested in those fields. Science teachers at Live Oak and Sobrato high schools have explained physical human existence from the sub-cellular to the whole person, making these elemental and elevated learning experiences accessible to teenagers. Students say that they gain confidence in their skills when they are able to understand high-level concepts from the basics of physics to the ways in which cells synthesize energy. Our hard-working, compassionate teachers have inspired students to fully engage in specific academic pursuits.
Some students say they want to become healthcare or research professionals such as medical doctors, prenatal nurses, physicians, biophysical engineers, chiropractors and nuclear medicine technicians.
Other students credit psychology, sociology and leadership classes for teaching them to develop insights about interpersonal relations, knowledge about human behavior and skills in organizing. Additionally, leadership courses encouraged students to expand their horizons beyond themselves and into their communities. Along with the obvious leadership skills obtained, public speaking mastery was a powerful accomplishment.
Of particular note were comments made about challenging and sometimes almost impossible demands made by Advanced Placement teachers in the fields of mathematics, English and social science. Students remarked about teachers who challenged their capabilities, forcing them to work hard and to think deeply.
Faculty members were commended for their ability to introduce difficult subject material, making the information comprehensible to students and even having fun while doing so. Students were told to follow their dreams, remain determined and stay positive. Those instructors who really challenged the hearts and minds of the students truly prepared them for college experience. And the students love them for their efforts.
Many graduating seniors will pursue careers in the trades, becoming cosmetologists, electricians and culinary professionals. They recognize the benefits of their four-year high school foundation that are needed to specialize in their chosen careers.
The music and theater arts programs also earned high marks from students who reported that those courses were transformational, making students proficient in those realms, more outgoing, welcomed by the student body and passionate about the arts. Above all, performing art students felt they were part of supportive families, which helped them meet academic and social challenges throughout their high school experiences.
Athletics, of course, engaged a huge percentage of the student population. In addition to the obvious physical benefit from athletics, students learned the value of positive group interaction and support as well as the power of setting and achieving personal goals.
Extracurricular activities such as Future Farmers of America reinforced leadership and public speaking skills. The Santa Clara County Mock Trial Program made students proficient in a mock trail case and presenting their arguments before county judges. Photography classes and related after-school activities have inspired several students to pursue careers in that ever-evolving field.
Morgan Hill high school teachers have provided an excellent foundation in the education of the Class of 2009. These graduates will become psychologists, nurses, attorneys, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs and members of the armed forces. The never-waning curiosity and intelligence of our youth will be writing new chapters in business creation and employment opportunities. They will achieve their goals because they all took advantage of what their schools had to offer: the greatly varied and beneficial educational opportunities supported by faculty, staff and citizens of our community.
Catherine Connor
Catherine Connor Catherine Connor is a senior at Ann Sobrato High School. She writes a monthly youth column for the Morgan Hill Times. She can be reached at cthrnpm@aol.com.
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