In the past few weeks, seniors have participated in one-on-one meetings with Principal Terry Mouton, where they discuss their high school experience, who impacted them the most and what clubs and organizations they are a part of. 

“He brought it up to me in early April that he would like to meet with each and every senior so he can talk to them about what Rock Hill has done for them and the  things we might be able to do better there,” secretary Kellee Albrecht said. “I think it was amazing because he got that one-on-one time with every senior, which he may not have had the chance to sit with any of them for years if they’d been here the whole time.”

Through the meetings, Mouton hopes to gain feedback that can help him identify areas where improvements are needed, uncover unrecognized challenges faced by seniors, and highlight successful initiatives that can be expanded.

“Meeting with seniors offered me valuable insights into the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the older population of students,” Mouton said. “The seniors’ wisdom and experiences can inform decisions about infrastructure, services, and programs that cater to seniors, contributing to the student centered culture of Rock Hill.”

Albrecht sent a sign-up link for the meetings to seniors via email and scheduled 10-minute slots in Mouton’s calendar.

“Mr. Mouton was super nice, super welcoming,” senior Gabrielle Lokko said. “He explained everything he was about to ask, and he explained why he was doing what he was doing. I liked that he was very thorough with what he was doing. It was really nice of him.”

Senior Semi Akindebe was given the opportunity to reminisce and reflect on his past four years of high school.

“People always told me that four years go by in the blink of an eye, and I didn’t really believe it until now I’m a senior and I’m only 18 days away from graduation,” Akindebe said.  “It made me realize that the more we do, the more you’ll get from it. And to not give up at the end, to keep going through, even if it feels difficult.”

These meetings provide the class of ‘24 with the opportunity to contribute their own impact to the changes within the school and foster a sense of collective purpose and shared responsibility.

“Mr. Mouton is making an effort to get to know his students more, which I really appreciate,” Lokko said. “He’s getting to break it down with each student and understand who they are as a person and what they want to do. And that’s going to allow him to not only know his previous students but be able to build off of that with future students that are coming to Rock Hill as well.”

This is the first year the senior meetings have been hosted, and it may not be the last.

“If these meetings prove to be valuable and well-received by seniors, they could indeed become a cherished tradition,” Mouton said. “Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities, and I want them to know that the Rock Hill community stands behind them as they embark on this journey.”