AMHS Students’ BIGGEST Regrets and GREATEST Memories!

Summer Plans and School Year Memories

Amelie Gilmore, Student Life Reporter

April 22, 2026

Senior Sunrise (water spout!)

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time for some reflection on the past year and plans for the future.

What is your favorite memory from this school year?

Respondents enjoyed walking around the hallways, the chess board in the courtyard, lunch, ice cream socials, and playing football at school. Two students reminisce on “the day before winter break with class parties and free time” and winter break in general. Another student remembers before winter break and “decorating cookies in Mr. Rappa’s study hall on Friday.” One senior remembers the “Senior Sunrise turned Senior Showers after a waterspout popped up,” which was definitely a memorable day for all of us. The waterspout was forming and we watched it. Suddenly the rain started pouring at a diagonal angle, and we all had to make a run for it back to our cars. Not the sunrise we expected but still a very memorable day. Anyways, “Getting a 100 on a FRQ for the first time” was an unforgettable moment for one student, and on the opposite side, another remembers “getting a 63 on my midterm.” More students remember wall days, especially the Stranger Things wall day. Meeting new friends “and gradually becoming close with them” was a highlight of the school year for one. Finally, “playing D&D” and “Friday night football games” were other students’ favorite memories. From grades to school events-it is clear that Academic Magnet High School is a special place for making life-long memories.

“When my friends and I went on a college trip during the beginning of the year! We had so much fun touring the schools and eating at the fancy food courts!”

“Sweet treat fridays in Dr Francis’s 2A”

What is your biggest regret/something you would do differently/life lesson from this school year?

Respondents, generally, wished they applied themselves more in their classes and got ahead when they could. Motivation can be hard sometimes, so one student mentions taking more interesting or creative classes that they enjoy more. Advice to undergraduates-get ahead in your college applications and scholarships so your April and October is not overcrowded with work to do (trust me). An agenda or calendar is helpful for time management. Make the most of your time at high school while you have it, go to sports/school events, hangout with your friends when you have the time, and have fun!

Not trying harder in classes, notably science and math classes.
Not studying effectively, “always student even if you feel confident.”
Not applying to more scholarships
Doing better on the first wall day
Fundraising more
Not procrastinating was a common theme among students.
Not getting many classes with their friends
Do service hours sooner
Slow down and enjoy the year
Taking creative/interesting classes.
Not slacking on homework
Realizing who their real friends are
Participating in more events, especially senior events
Using study hall
Talk to more people

“Think bigger. Dominating the school just isn’t big enough, but dominating the world? That’s big enough.”

“I wish I had realized earlier that the time we have is dwindling and that just committing to things is so much easier than worrying about them.”

“Don’t stress over things you cannot control and for the things you can control, plan and remain organized and you won’t be as stressed.”

What are you doing this summer?

Places:

From the Dominican Republic to Japan, it is clear that students at AMHS are travelers! Many students are going out of the country with friends and family and to concerts. Touring colleges and other academic events are also popular summer activities for students at AMHS.

Backpacking in New Mexico, seeing a Guns N Roses concert, trip to Portugal and Spain
Beach/pool
Dominican Republic
Martha’s Vineyard
Rolling Loud
Boston, Massachusetts (especially Harvard)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Taipei
Japan
Virgin Islands
Yellowstone

“I’m taking my annual trip to Washington state to see my dad and stepmom in Spokane. Then, we’re taking a family trip to South Dakota!”

“I’m doing a beach trip to Savannah with my friends that I’m very excited for.”

Activities:

I saw many outdoor activities among students, and although it’s summer, many students will be working in some shape or form for a bit of the summer. It is interesting to see what hobbies and talents students have outside of the school year. Definitely catch up on your sleep while you can.