Hopatcong Scholars Return to Tell Seniors About Life After Graduation

Graduates from the Hopatcong High's Class of 2013 returned to their old haunt Friday to let the underclassmen know what life is really like out there.

The 2013 graduates were invited back to be part of the “Return of the Graduates” program on Jan. 10 during their winter break to share their post-secondary experiences since they graduated with the current senior class.

The graduates responded to the seniors' questions with "real, honest, and relevant answers," said Gina Cinotti, the high schools guidance director who brought the program to Hopatcong last year. "The answers varied slightly due to their differing college experiences, be it a 2-year, 4-year, technical school, living off campus, on-campus, etc."

The National Honor Society Officers were strategic in formulating the database of questions to ask the graduates, Cinotti said. The officers selected a variety of graduates based on which colleges they are enrolled in to give the current seniors exposure to diverse college experiences. 

“It was such a successful program and gave the seniors first-hand experience in life after high school, that I felt we had to continue the program here on out," Cinotti said. "I received so much positive feedback from students, administrators, teachers, and parents.”

Cinotti reminded seniors that they can look to their guidance counselors for assistance with post-secondary plans. 

"The Hopatcong School District is meeting the mark on the 2013-14 theme of 'The New Hopatcong' ", said Cynthia Randina, the borough's school superintendent, in a release. She promised Hopatcong High School will continue to provide real life programs like this to provide the support and direction for its students.