Somber Goodbyes and Summer Beginnings

As V Formers complete their last term of Lawrenceville, they feel stress lifted off of their shoulders. In lieu of final exams to face at the end of the term, many V Formers use their last term as a chance to spend as much time as possible with their peers before they head off to college. As the weather gets warmer and flowers bloom, they can enjoy their last moments on campus in a care-free, relaxed environment.

    To Malin Phelan ’23, since the “workload from teachers has decreased, [she has] spent less time studying.” This newfound free time allows Phelan to “spend as much time with [her] friends as possible.” Phelan has also chosen to continue athletics during her senior spring on the Varsity Outdoor Track and Field team, filling up some of her abundant free time. Leaving Lawrenceville in the upcoming weeks, she has been “doing [her] best to take in and appreciate every moment with [her] people.” When asked what she will miss most about Lawrenceville, Phelan mentioned the beautiful campus and its “gorgeous sunsets.” But most of all, she will miss her classmates. “I have met so many wonderful people and made many lifelong friends here, and it will be strange to not see them every day.”

    Joe Morsman ’23, a member of the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team, has been spending his final few weeks of the spring playing tennis, watching hockey, and spending his time enjoying Lawrenceville  with his relaxed academic workload. Upon leaving Lawrenceville, Morsman will miss “living and learning in the same place as [his] sister,” Abby Morsman ’25, the most. As many students have become accustomed to constantly seeing their close friends, and sometimes even family, the end of the year is emotional for many.

    Sharing a similar sentiment, Cal Berwick ’23 has surprisingly “found [himself] not studying for tests and avoiding unnecessary homework.” Instead, he has decided to focus on his social life. “I’ll miss the people here the most. Lawrenceville, without a doubt, is an incredible campus with great opportunities, but the memories I’ve made here have no meaning without the people.” Like many alumni, Berwick will remember the friendships he has created at Lawrenceville, not just his academic and athletic achievements.

Aside from bonding with peers and students in Cleve, Max Blecher ’23 is using this spring to try new hobbies and pursue passions he has not had time for. He joined the Suave dance group, built a surfboard in the Gruss Center of Art and Design and has continued to practice water polo. As a prefect, Blecher will miss the Cleve House, as well as faculty such as Mr. Niu, Ms. MacKinnon, and Sr. Alcantara. Due to Lawrenceville’s small class sizes and close-knit community, many students miss their faculty after leaving.

After four years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and saturated with academic pressures, V Formers are finally able to enjoy the perks of Lawrenceville in a stress-free environment while appreciating the people that make the School special. In their last month of School before graduation, the V Form celebrate their seniority by taking part in events such as the Pinning Ceremony, Prom, and Senior Beach Day before heading to college.