By ALANNA LEVINE, MICHELLE GELE and MADELINE KAUFMAN
On May 1st, many Jericho High School seniors dressed up in their college colors and shared their pride for the future schools. Even First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged students to wear their college apparel. Social media outlets like Instagram and Facebook were flooded with excited seniors representing their colleges, and #decisionday was soon trending on Twitter.
Rebekah Berger (second from the right), who will be attending the University of Connecticut, said, “I am really excited to go to college and support my school. It’s a chance for a new start and to study things I’m interested in and start my future.”
Incoming St. John’s University freshman Shanice Arthur chose not to represent her school on Decision Day. She said, “Everyone already knew where I was going, so I didn’t feel the need to tell them again.”
“I chose Wisconsin because it’s the perfect mix of academics and ‘rah rah.’ I also loved how it is a mix of a campus and city feel. I love how decked out people got for decision day,” said Jordyn Berger (left).
Nina Modica (left) is excited to meet new people and get out of Jericho when she leaves for Sacred Heart University.
Jasyn Hwang displayed both her creativity and school pride by decorating a pair of sneakers. She said she was inspired by pictures on Instagram.
Gabby Schmuter, future attendee of the City College of New York’s five-year Sophie Davis medical program, said, “I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, and the fact that Sophie Davis is in NYC and has no MCAT requirement made it the most perfect option I could ever wish for!”
“I chose Tufts because the community makes it feel like a home away from home,” said Eli Mayan (left).
“I chose my college because I wanted to go to a school that embraces sisterhood and black culture, and that’s what Spelman is all about,” said Autumn Harris.
Carly Lapidus (right) said, “I chose to go to Emory because I felt very comfortable there, and all the people were so friendly and nice. It was a good fit.”
Jackson Sugarman (left), who will be a freshman at Chapman University in the fall of 2015, said that he is excited about “meeting new people.” Evan Birns (right), who will be attending Georgia Tech, said he chose to dress up for Decision Day because he “was proud of continuing my academic excellence in the future.”Josh Wabnik (second from right), who will be frequenting Emory College, said, “Today was a special day because my father was very proud of me.”
“I didn’t really care about Decision Day. I wore my shirt because my friends told me to,” said future Queens College freshman Grace Kim (second from the right).
“I decided Delaware because I felt really comfortable on the campus, and I love everything that they offer. I decided to rep my school because I’m so excited for next year,” said Jessie Cooper (second from the right).
“I love everything about UVM! I love the general vibe of the student body, the faculty are crazy and passionate about their work, and its super green,” said Carly Sheinberg, incoming freshman at the University of Vermont.
“I am so excited to go to Clark. I love representing my school every day, so to do it with the rest of my grade is great,” said Alex Wolff.
Brian Kenny (second from the right) said, “I chose Indiana because the business school was very compelling and I knew I would be able to succeed there after visiting the attractive campus.”
“I chose Duke because it had everything I have ever wanted in a college – great sports, first class facilities and award winning professors,” said Ethan Susser.
“I had to decide between Buffalo and the University of Florida, but once I got into the architecture school at Buffalo, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said Paige Avrutis.
“This day made me excited because everyone got to see where I was going to college. It’s a very exciting time in all of our lives. I personally think school spirit is very important. People should know that you are excited about what you are doing for the next four years,” said incoming University of Scranton freshman Jordan Reis (left).
“I just wanted to bring the fun out in Decision Day because everyone has a college they are going to and for people like me who are doing something a little bit different, it can be awkward. So I wanted to make it something light,” said Haley Goldstein.
Haley Pastolove chose the University of Rhode Island because “the state is beyond gorgeous, and I fell in love with the campus right away.” She added, “I loved Decision Day because it showed school spirit and brought everyone together. Plus it was a great day for pictures with your best friends.”
“I’m really happy to be going to James Madison because I’m the first Jericho student to ever go there, and I’m really excited to meet new people,” said Michelle Gele (left). “I am so excited to go to college and start my future. I’ve been waiting to go to the University of South Florida my whole life and I love celebrating my new home,” said Alanna Levine (middle). “Between its academics and spirit, Penn State is the perfect fit for me. I loved repping my school on Decision Day because I can’t wait for the next best four years,” said Madeline Kaufman (right).
Such an exciting time for you guys! Beautiful photos!