As the year comes to a close, and the class of 2025 prepares to walk through Fort’s gates for the last time, we at The Pilot find it important to reflect on how far we have come. Between the good and the bad, the panic and the tranquility, even the most uneventful days and unforgettable moments, it’s almost impossible to wrap your head around everything we’ve experienced. In a world drastically changed by the pandemic, with catastrophic global events on a regular basis and an uncertain future on the horizon, the students at Fort Hamilton have had a lot on their plate considering their position as teenagers becoming young adults in such a tumultuous time. Yet, despite this increasingly difficult world to navigate, the students at Fort Hamilton have managed to make the most of their time here and grow into the people they were meant to be.
But as these seniors leave for bigger and better things, their legacies will endure through the impact they’ve left on this school, and the impact that this school’s left on them. Through the memories they have made, the advice gained from staff who’ve dedicated their time to them, and the community at Fort Hamilton that nurtured them, the seeds of success planted in these young minds will be able to blossom and grow into something potentially bigger than themselves. Not every experience was the same, not every moment like the rest, but there is comfort in knowing that no matter what, the entire student body had to go through it together. Here are a few of the moments that stood out to the staff at The Pilot:
Our Favorite Memories
My favorite memory from this year was when CeraMIX had their e-board meeting with the new e-board members because that demonstrates that we have left a mark on this school and it will keep going! – Jason Jiang
Meeting the people that I’m lucky to call my friends today. – Vida Greyser
I don’t have one singular favorite member but I always look forward to meeting every Thursday. I find the club meetings to be really fun and engaging. Hearing everyone talk about their articles or about random subjects brings a warm and casual atmosphere to the classroom that isn’t apparent in any other classes that I have. – Jasmyn Mei
My favorite memory of this year has to have been the APUSH Hamilton trip. It was so cool to get to see that incredible show with all my classmates and teachers who care so much about the history behind it. Just the excitement that everyone was feeling and the matching shirts we were all wearing made it even enjoyable! – Elizabeth Dugan
It’s hard to pinpoint any one favorite memory from this year, because the moments that I’m going to associate with my high school experience happen everyday. My favorite memories have been working late-night leadership events with my friends, rehearsing for NHS Installation and marvelling how fast time flies, lingering at the front of the school with friends in the morning, hanging out with them after school, looking forward to club meetings every week, walking with friends during passing, resonating with a lesson in class, and walking home from school feeling fulfilled after a long, but good day. So there isn’t one favorite memory, but a culmination of little moments that have defined my time at Fort Hamilton High School. – Sara Elazab
Teachers Who’ve Left an Impact on Us
This year, I would say that Mr. O’Neill impacted me the most because through my double period class in VE, he helped me learn from my mistakes. What he cared most wasn’t results, but effort. Understanding that helped me grow a lot this year. – Jason Jiang
Either my AP Language teacher, Mr. Campo, or my journalism teacher Mr. Hajjar have left the greatest impact on me. Both Mr. Campo and Mr. Hajjar have really opened my eyes to new literary and rhetorical techniques/devices to incorporate in any future pieces of writing that I produce. They’re remarkable teachers and in my very humble opinion, do not get the recognition that they deserve. – Vida Greyser
I would say that Mr. Hajjar has been the teacher to impact me the most this year. I can feel the effort and passion that he puts into his lessons in Journalism, which makes me feel more engaged. Having a teacher that has clear love for what he does will always spark appreciation and admiration within me. – Jasmyn Mei
Ms. Glass. She really inspired me to think about how history has always been taught to me. She taught me good time management with my work, and the importance of listening, understanding where someone has come from and being patient. She is an incredibly hard-working teacher who will not hesitate to bend over backwards for her students. She is one of the few teachers I have had the pleasure of having, who has a passion for what she does and can’t help but share that with all of her students. It has been an absolute joy to be in her class. I can’t wait to take what she has taught me and use it in other parts of my life. – Elizabeth Dugan
My teachers throughout my four years at Fort Hamilton have taught me so much valuable advice that will live with me forever. As early as sophomore year, Mr. Alvear taught me that anything is possible and equipped me with the confidence to act upon that belief throughout all my endeavors. When I joined The Pilot, I met Mr. Hajjar, who has been an incredible mentor to me ever since, inspiring me to invest into what I believe in. Ms. Maratos taught me both the power of strength and logic, traits that I will always strive to improve in. Mr. Sosa showed me the importance of compassion and wholeheartedness. Through it all, teachers like Ms. Perez, Ms. De Paula, Mr. DiBisceglie and Ms. Economos have supported me every step of the way and have taught me valuable lessons I will carry with me forever. To say the least, I have a lot of favorite teachers. – Sara Elazab
Famous Last Words
I just want to thank the people who have helped me this year: the staff in B64, Mr. Alvear, Ms.DePaula, Ms. Perez and Mr. Pastore. The teachers that have helped me this year: Mr. Rose, Mrs. Kwasnik, Mr. Hajjar and Mr. O’Neill. Lastly, my friends: Aaron, XiaoXiao, Chanel, Leo, Cathy and my best friend Emily! Thank you to Aayan for this opportunity for me to share this! – Jason Jiang
Working with the seniors in The Pilot has been an honor and a privilege. The experiences that I’ve had and connections that I’ve made will be with me forever and I treasure every moment. – Vida Greyser
I wish the graduating class of 2025 the best of luck at all future plans!! It has been a pleasure to get to know some of you guys, I can’t wait to see your names one day amongst those of other amazing people. Congrats! – Elizabeth Dugan
If I’m ever rich, I pledge to donate to The Pilot. – Sara Elazab
