On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the Lynbrook High School Guidance Department was delighted to welcome back graduates for our annual Alumni Panel hosted for the junior class in the auditorium.

Our alumni guests included University of Michigan student Jake Belmont; CUNY Queens College student Jennireth Tamayo; SUNY Maritime College student Nick Paladino; SUNY New Paltz student Jolie Orbeta; Salve Regina University student Emma Leighley; and Georgetown University student Julia Swerdin.

Moderated by Director of Guidance Laurie Mitchell, the 2022 Alumni Panel was the first panel hosted since the pandemic began. Our panel guests, of various graduation years, shared their experiences and words of advice for our students. They answered questions about adjusting to college, navigating the pandemic while applying to college, managing time, getting involved, having a job, becoming more independent, applying for internships, setting priorities, and, of course, having fun. Some of the alumni had changed majors since they started the application process and explained that it was easy to do, and it is not unusual at all for students to make a change.

A student from the audience asked, “how do you balance sleep, academics, and a social life?” The message from the panel was that it is a big adjustment at first, but eventually you figure it out. Ms. Mitchell asked the panelists, “do you think the Lynbrook teachers prepared you well academically?” Unanimously, they responded with a resounding yes. Our graduates made it clear that our Lynbrook teachers were helpful, showed that they cared every day, were available for questions, were aware of their progress or if they are struggling and really got to know them well. They let students know that they were grateful for the teachers they had along the way and felt they were well prepared for the demands in college.

Thank you to our graduates for making our 2022 LHS Alumni Panel such a success!

Date Added: 12/1/2022