This is a continuation of our Meet Meridian series focusing on our students. We have launched into high school!
Cash, sophomore at Meridian High School
“I’d have to say that the band and music program we have here is my favorite part of school. I always look forward to it. I love the community that we have there and it’s like a family. It’s a really special program. I’m proud to be part of it and it’s fun. It allows me to be part of something I’m passionate about. Sometimes I lead the band because I am the drum major. Thinking about this year, I think the most exciting things are yet to come. Especially for music. Like in the spring, we have more parades and events.
To me, Mr. DeGrace is by far the best teacher I’ve ever had. He cares for all his students like they are his own and he makes sure to tell you he appreciates the work you’re putting in. He provides a great space to grow and learn in. It is not intimidating to ask him if you want resources. He’s just really, really great and he takes on such a caring role for his students.
I’m planning on going to a four-year college, probably Western. I’m not entirely sure what to major in. I’ll probably pursue some art form. I’ll probably end up going into the music program although I’m not sure how I’ll apply music yet.
I think something that is special about Meridian is there is a lot of individuality and trust that goes on here. I think that builds me to be a responsible person. What I’m taking away is that I’m responsible for what I do. This is a school that values hard work. You got to put in the work, but the reward that comes from that work is good.”
Bhavnoor, junior at Meridian High School
“I’ve attended Meridian since kindergarten. One teacher who meant a lot to me was Mrs. Wright. She was our elementary music teacher. Everyone had a personal connection with her. She knew how to make you feel important, and prioritized, and loved in her classes. It was a part of the day everyone looked forward to. She also taught art club, and she always had snacks. She was always there if you needed anything.
Meridian is a small, close-knit community. Everyone is pretty close and knows each other pretty well, but even if you don’t know someone by name, you recognize them. Walking down the hall you can expect that all of the teachers know you because it is a smaller school. I feel like that makes this school special.
I have an older sibling and he was really well-known at this school. At first, I felt like I had to live up to his standard but then I decided I needed to just enjoy making a positive impact in my school and just being who I am. I want to make a positive impact. I want to be remembered as a good person who attended here.
One thing I’ve always been interested in is going into law. I like helping other people and being part of something bigger than myself. In school we learn how to work with other people and work under pressure, I think that will help prepare me if I go into law.
I just love coming here and seeing my friends. That’s the best part of my day.”
Ian, junior at Meridian High School
“Winter Wishes was super cool and I’ve gotten to experience the behind-the-scenes part of it. That was really fun. We got a really positive reaction, especially from our new staff who don’t really know much about it. It is really cool to hear from people who aren’t as involved or haven’t seen it before. It is a big project and has a big impact on students.
I want people to know our school is very genuine. When we do Winter Wishes, we don’t do it for attention. We do it to try and help the people in our school and make our school a tighter community, like we are family.
I came to Meridian in middle school. The first couple weeks I was here, I was placed in classes with seventh graders. They were super nice to me and took me under their wing and I’m still really good friends with them now. That really stands out to me, just how caring a lot of the upperclassmen are. They’re really good at bringing new students in and getting to know them as individuals.
I think part of what builds the community here is a lot is centered around our schools, like the big venues and big events. A lot of kids, their parents went here, or their siblings went here. So, there’s a lot of history in our school between families, but there are also a lot of out of district kids so we get to meet lots of different people.
My advice to incoming freshmen is to try and get involved in clubs or sports. Get involved in school, talk to people, and build good relationships with your teachers.”