OPINION: Nazareth Bucket List

By Allie Talarico

If you’re like me and my friends and are dispersing across the world for college (This isn’t an exaggeration. London, Michigan, Hawaii, Delaware, the list goes on…), or even if you’re just excited to graduate, then you’ll want closure to all your years in Naz. So, as the only senior writer on the Newspaper, I took it upon myself to formulate the complete Nazareth Bucket List. Carefully beta tested to make sure that these are the ultimate must-dos, here are 10 things to do before you graduate from Nazareth Area High School:

1. Watch the sunrise from the Indian Tower- Wake up at 4:30, grab iced coffee from Dunkin’, gather your friends, and drive to the Indian Tower. You won’t regret it. We recommend going on a summer morning when the weather is warm. We went on May 1st and almost froze to death

2. See the rock- Not to be confused with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or Plymouth Rock, the rock is the literal foundation of the high school. Shoved in the corner of the fitness center, this is a high school must-see. It’s bigger than you imagine. If you take personal fitness, ask your teacher to show it to you!

3. Jump the Schoneck- Another Nazareth must-see that isn’t so hidden, this is the ultimate nature-made obstacle of our school. Everyone’s gotta jump it once. Just don’t fall in. Don’t jump during the school day. You don’t want to walk into class with soggy shoes.

4. Thank a teacher- This one is arguably the most self-explanatory but most important event on this list. Thank the teachers and the people in your life who helped you make it through these weird 4 years. Shameless plug: In this article, I reflected and thanked some of the great teachers I had at Naz. Check it out!

5. Take a food tour around town- Emily’s, Zanette’s, Naz Diner. The list is endless. Try everything at least once. Naz Diner tastes better at 2 am after a theatre show or football game.

6. Walk through The Borough Park- We originally went to find the Teepees set up in the wooded area of the park until we realized someone tore them down. But the trail was nice regardless! Try to catch the Nazareth Carnival during the summer time. Nothing screams small town like bad food and life threatening carnival rides.

7. Climb the Matrix at NAIS- To make things really feel full circle, grab your 5th grade friend group and climb the matrix one more time. We all know that this is the collective best memory from the Intermediate School.

8. Stroll through The Circle- The prettiest part of Naz, and the center hub, walking around the circle is a must. Try to catch the tree lighting in the winter and the Farmer’s Market in the summer. If you go to the Farmer’s Market, get some Peanut Butter from the Peanut Butter Guy. So. Good.

9. Go to a school dance- Take it from someone who hates school dances, you have to go to at least one. A terrible DJ at Homecoming or a cold, rainy Prom is what makes High School High School. Just go. Remember, the key to a good homecoming or prom night is plans after with your friends. We recommend bowling or playing Mario Kart.

10. Make a Time Capsule and Bury it- In true coming-of-age movie fashion, gather some items that cumulate your four years, stick ‘em in a box, and bury it. Dig it up four years later at your college graduation and look how far you’ve come. (We did most of this list in one weekend. I recommend videotaping your time with your friends on a camcorder and burying the tape. Then, four years later, you can watch it and cringe at your 18 year old selves.)

Four years of high school flies by-- especially when a global pandemic cuts it short--so make the best of it.

13 years later and that’s a wrap. Thanks Naz!

Bye for now,
Allie