Superintendent Alban Meets WHS Seniors
by Maddie Hommey
On Monday April 10th, the superintendent of FCPS, Dr. Terry Alban, visited Walkersville High school to meet with twelve seniors about their experiences at Walkersville High School and with Frederick County Public Schools.
As Principal Tracey Franklin said, “She primarily likes to talk to some seniors each year from each high school so that she can personalize her graduation speech for them.” Alban asked the seniors she met with to write down what they will miss most about Walkersville and how it has prepared them for whatever they will do in future. She will use some of the seniors’ thoughts to share as direct quotes at graduation.
Alban also discussed the things both Walkersville and FCPS do well that seniors have enjoyed and benefitted from during their high school years. She then asked about some things that seniors believe could be improved. “The students are the most important customers that we’re in business with,” Alban stated.
The seniors’ ideas were encouraged on any subject and level of importance; almost all aspects of Walkersville and FCPS were discussed. “We truly value student feedback,” Alban added.
The selected group of Walkersville seniors gave the superintendent a good representation of the school. “We have a group here which covers the diversity of our school,” Franklin explained. These individuals included National Honor Society members, International Thespian Society members, students already with their own business, student section leaders, the Key Club president, individuals from a variety of different sports including unified sports, chorus members, orchestra members, students with internships, CTC students, AP students, and FCC dual enrollment students.
Throughout their high school career, the class of 2017 experienced many changes in the school program. The group reflected on some of these changes such as common core classes, FCC dual enrollment classes, and different types of testing; they shared their opinions on these matters. Senior Kyle Daggett commented “It was really cool to talk to the superintendent and share the things we like and dislike about Walkersville. I feel like she truly listened to our input.”
Alban ended the meeting by asking each senior their plans for next year. Walkersville seniors will be heading off in all directions, but “We’re all family and I’m sure we will all see each other back for our five year reunion and beyond,” said senior Khalil Ricketts. So, superintendent, Dr. Terry Alban got a feel for the pride and true family atmosphere in our school and community.
