One’s high school years can be full of excitement as students grow and develop both in and out of the classroom. Whether making lifelong memories with their friends or lasting bonds with their teachers, the high school journey can certainly be an impactful one. So with the new school year upon us, we asked several local high school principals to share some advice for students of today. Whether they are incoming freshman embarking on a new experience or an outgoing senior ready to embrace the next chapter in their lives, there is no doubt that they are in the midst of a truly special time in their lives.
For incoming freshmen…
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. A high school can feel overwhelming, but the more you reach out to teachers, counselors and classmates the smaller and more connected you feel. Also, get involved! High school activities provide a great opportunity to connect with students and staff with similar likes and interests. High school can feel big, but every big place becomes small once you find your people.”
—Donna Charlesworth, principal, Cherokee High School
“Embrace your school community. It’s so important to build positive relationships throughout the school. Our upperclassmen and staff set the culture of the school, and the students who get involved early on develop into leaders in part because of the role models they emulate.”
—Matthew Campbell, principal, Shawnee High School
“To the ninth graders as they enter high school, I encourage them to get involved! The more they share their talents, the better their school experience can be. Being organized and managing their time will help ease the stress of the new situation and hopefully leave them ready to learn and engage in their classes. I frequently ask students, ‘What legacy would you like to leave after four years at your school?’”
—John Burns, principal, Cherry Hill High School West
“Have fun! You’re going to be at school for the next four years, so make the most of it. Get involved in as many different things as you can. High school is time to explore new interests and hone down on things you really enjoy. Everyone is nervous and worried about the whole social scene, so don’t be afraid to say hi to new people. You’ll be surprised how many people are just waiting for someone to take the first step.”
—Steve Lee, principal, Eastern Regional High School
“High school is a new opportunity where you can leave middle school behind you and begin a new chapter in your academic career. Make sure you stay on top of your studies; however, GET INVOLVED! You will get out of your high school experience what you put into it. With all that a high school has to offer, find activities, clubs and sports that interest you. You will make friends within those groups and also make a connection to the school.”
—Daniel Finkle, principal, Cherry Hill High School East
“Incoming ninth graders, this is the start of a whole new world for you! I encourage you to always pursue your academics as your top priority while being sure to include extracurricular clubs and activities and/or athletics to give you the full high school experience. Additionally, being involved in high school makes the time more enjoyable as you become well-rounded as a result of taking part. Get involved, say hello to someone new and venture outside your comfort zone to push yourself to greater heights.”
—Raymond F. Anderson III, executive principal. Washington Township High School
“My best advice for freshman is to approach it with curiosity and courage. Get involved early by joining a club, sport or activity that interests them. Building connections with others and surrounding yourself with people who want to do good things are essential. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself. Your teachers, counselors and administrators are here to support you, but you have to let us know what you need or want to be successful. And one last thing, high school is about more than grades—it’s about growing as a person. Be kind to one another, make good decisions, care and try every day, and take pride in being part of our Lenape community.”
—Tony Cattani, principal, Lenape High School
For outgoing seniors…
“Enjoy your time with your class! Be in the moment. You’ll going to blink and it’s going to be over. Go to senior sunrise, participate in the student section at different games, go to homecoming, participate in spirit week, savor every moment of senior trip, dance the night away at prom, do everything together that you can. You’ll never have another last year of high school. Be the example of how much fun high school can be! You’ll miss it once it’s over.”
—Steve Lee
“As you step into the world beyond high school, trust in the strength, friendships, and lessons you’ve gained here will guide you wherever life takes you.”
—Michael Carr, assistant principal, Cherokee High School
“Seniors, you’ve grown into leaders, faced challenges and created memories that will last a lifetime. Make your senior year count, finish strong, care for one another, model for our underclassman, take pride in yourself and leave a legacy at Lenape you are proud of. We believe in you and can’t wait to celebrate all of you throughout the school year.”
—Tony Cattani
Seniors, as you enter your very last year of high school, I will reiterate to you what I have told you since the beginning. Treasure every moment as life goes by very quickly. Take advantage of the opportunities around you and continue on your path of academic and extracurricular excellence. ‘Take it all in.’ Attend our events, and make memories with your friends and your teachers and administrators. Let’s continue on our path of M cubed (M3): Making Memorable Moments. Have a wonderful senior year!”
—Raymond F. Anderson III
“Well, you made it! This is your year to lead and to shine! You are the leaders of the building who are tasked with setting the tone for the rest of the student body. You will also be making lifetime memories as you partake in senior events like the homecoming, prom, senior trip, and of course, graduation. Make sure you cherish these last 10 months of your high school career and begin to set the stage for the next phase or your life! You are the ones to make this year unforgettable!”
—Daniel Finkle
“High school, and senior year specifically, is part of the journey of life. Graduation is not a destination. Do not be afraid to fail; mistakes provide opportunities to learn. Continue to develop relationships and seek opportunities to continue learning from those around you. There will be challenges. Your response to these challenges is what matters most."
—Matthew Campbell
“As you enter your final year of high school, celebrate the success of the past three years and reflect on the memories you have made, and look forward to the ones you will make this year. As you prepare to leave high school, look toward the future with confidence, but realize that it is OK to not have it all figured out yet, and that time will come. You have been prepared to take on the challenges of life after high school. Embrace them and enjoy the journey.”
—John Burns
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 6 (September 2025)
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