PTO Alumni Roundtable
On Tuesday January 7th, the North Shore Counseling Department partnered with the PTO to host the annual PTO Alumni Roundtable. North Shore alumni returned to speak to the Class of 2025 about their transition to college. Current seniors Kaitlin Ho and Tristan Segal moderated the panel along with Director of Counseling, Dan Doherty. It was a wonderful conversation where the alums shared time management strategies, advice on selecting a college, experiences with roommates, how to get involved on a college campus, and tips for a successful transition. A theme that emerged throughout the session was that the process may be stressful while you are in it, but there is a college out there for everyone. The importance of getting involved on campus was also emphasized.
That evening Hailey Ayres, Sofia Martini, Bella Martocci, and Katherine Salerno returned to speak to parents about their experiences. The parents asked about their role in supporting their child through the application process, any tips on preparing for the transition, and how prepared the students felt for the coursework. The alumni praised the high school teachers, staff, and administration for adequately preparing them for the rigors of college. They highlighted the importance of time management skills. The parents of current alumni shared some of their experiences as well.
Director of Counseling, Dan Doherty, said the following, “North Shore alumni are incredible. It was so impressive to hear recent graduates provide such insightful, honest and valuable advice to our students and parents.” Principal Eric Contreras said, “Seeing our students return to share their experiences in college and give back to the North Shore community makes us all so proud! Our students and parents alike were appreciative of the wealth of information that was shared with them. We wish our alumni best of luck in the Spring semester.”
The following alumni participated in this event sponsored by the PTO:
Hailey Ayres - Providence College - Class of 2024
Antonio Barbetta - Indiana University - Class of 2024
Veronica Frank - Cornell University - Class of 2024
Garret Gates - New Jersey Institute of Technology - Class of 2024
Kate Gilliam - Harvard College - Class of 2022
Hannah Gilliam - Wesleyan University - Class of 2024
Sammy Lockwood - Cornell University - Class of 2023
Olivia Maler - University of Illinois - Class of 2024
Sofia Martini - Cornell University - Class of 2024
Bella Martocci - George Washington - Class of 2024
Katherine Salerno - Fairfield University - Class of 2024
Carina Schmalzried - Boston College - Class of 2024
Thank you to our North Shore alumni, HS PTO, and Counseling Department led by Mr. Dan Doherty for organizing this successful day and night that enabled the alumni to speak to the Class of 2025 and their families about their transition to college.
Article and photos by Counseling Director, Mr. Dan Doherty