Thursday, October 1, 2026
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Guidance Department hosted its second annual East Rockaway High School Alumni Day program. As former students returned home for Thanksgiving break, twenty five members of the East Rockaway High School graduating Class of 2013 returned in their respective college sweatshirts and military uniforms to share stories and helpful tips with current high school students.
Some of the graduates are attending colleges away from home, including University of Tampa, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, New England College, Manhattanville College, Ithaca College, Mount St. Mary College and SUNY New Paltz, Oswego, Delhi and Oneonta. Others are closer to home at Molloy College and Nassau Community College. Additionally, two graduates recently returned from boot camp and represented the United States Marine Corps.
The alumni arrived early to enjoy a light breakfast, provided by the high school’s PTA, and to catch up with one another. The program followed in the school’s auditorium for two class periods.
The East Rockaway High School 2013 Alumni panel was filled with familiar faces, enjoyable stories and plenty of good advice. The current students in the junior and senior classes have valuable role models to turn to as they navigate the post high school planning process.
During the first session, current the junior class was invited to hear the panel speak as Mona Hecht, director of guidance, asked questions about their college application process, finding the right college fit, and if they would have done anything differently in high school to prepare for college.
Much of the presentation related to work habits and skills needed to tackle college expectations successfully. The second session addressed the particular issues faced by high school seniors and focused more specifically on the college transition process. The ERHS alumni advised students to make the most of their remaining time in high school and to prepare for college work.
“In college, they cram a full year course into one semester” advised one graduate. Another said to pace yourself so you can study on your own, and find people you “work well with and who can support you.”
Much of the discussion also addressed the social transition to college. Regardless of location, whether students stayed home or moved away, making friends in this new environment was a challenge. As one student said “In East Rockaway, I knew my friends from kindergarten; I never really had to make friends before.”
