Hull Public Schools Host Senior Panel Discussion for Underclassmen  

HULL — Superintendent Judith Kuehn and Principal Michael Knybel are pleased to announce that Hull High School seniors offered advice to underclassmen on how to succeed in the future during a panel last week.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 12 seniors offered advice to students in Grades 9 and 10 during the panel, titled “Turning Obligation into Opportunity.”

“The seniors really rose to the occasion and led by a positive example during this panel,” Principal Knybel said. “Events like this really give younger students a look into what path they should take in high school and why their time here is so important to achieving success in the future.” 

The hour-long panel focused on topics including building a resume, the importance of honor classes, how choices now can affect the future, and more. Seniors also gave examples of times when they turned what they thought was an obligation into an opportunity.Two members of the Guidance Office moderated.

“Don’t be afraid to get to know your teachers, they are great resources for help,” senior Peter Menice said. “Many of your teachers are coaches or club leaders, so getting to know them better opens doors for greater opportunities in high school.” 

“Being a member of the senior panel was not only a privilege but an experience that allowed me to connect with underclassmen to create a stable environment and answer questions about their futures and college,” senior Matt Shaffer said. “I thought the panel had a very positive effect after talking to some students and hope that it brought a significant impact on their future endeavors.”

After the question-and-answer portion, the audience broke into focus groups, which allowed younger students to ask the seniors more personal questions. The focus groups concluded with seniors asking younger students how they plan to switch their mindset from thinking something is an obligation to an opportunity. Each group was moderated by two seniors.

“The panel was insightful and I personally learned some things that I still did not know about the college process,” senior Amelia Donovan said. “I truly wish I had something like that when I was an underclassman”

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