Chariho Alumni, Looking Back

According to a 2005 survey 61% of American adults view high school as a great time in their life. And while many remember their high school time vividly, perhaps the best insight comes from a person still involved with the school they attended.

The Chariho school district has a number of teachers and staff who have come back to the school after graduation. Their knowledge is an interesting reflection on the school system with a lens different than what a regular student or teacher could provide.

Mr. Bliven, a 2003 graduate, and current teacher expressed his belief that the opportunities CHS provides are invaluable, and should be cherished. “Make sure to not take it for granted, because not all students are as fortunate to explore, experiment, and implement your interests in the real world while still attending high school. If not for a few select teachers at Chariho, I would not have pursued a career as a Health and P.E. Teacher… Understand that this is the foundation to where you want to be in the future.”

Mr. Mayne, an alumnus since 1992 conveys a similar message while adding that the education offered to students today is superior to what was available to him. “The quality of the education each student is receiving today surpasses what I believe was offered when I was here as a student. While it was still a reasonable education, there are more opportunities for students today. Community support for the district has greatly improved."

Mr. Bliven and Mr. Mayne are not alone in this opinion. Since its creation, CHS has steadily increased the number and quality of courses it provides. The CTC program has recently become an appealing option for a broader spread of students. Internships also are an option that in the past were not possible.

Many Alumni have fond memories of their time at Chariho. Mr. Bliven for instance when asked what his favorite memory of CHS was said, “Senior Prom with Lindsay Gilligan a.k.a. the future Mrs. Lindsay Bliven.”

When asked the same question, Mrs. Alvarez, a Chariho grad in 2001 remarked that she enjoyed, “Hanging out by my locker in B-Hall near B-8. I shared a locker with my friend and every morning we would hang out before first block. When I was in school most students used lockers.”

Mrs. LaFountain, who graduated in 1999 answered that her fondest memories of CHS were “Playing on the field hockey and softball teams, band trips to Disney, my AP US History class.

For all the changes in the school since the times they attended, many teachers agree on a few things that have remained unchanged. Many would agree that the high quality of teachers and administrators has remained a hallmark of the Chariho district.

Looking past all the mostly sentimental remarks about high school, many CHS alumni would like to impart wisdom to their students. Mr. Shiels, our athletic director would advise you to “Work hard every day, what you put into it is what you will get out of it.” Similarly, Mr. Bliven quoted Zac Brown Band saying, “ "You get what you give.”

At the same time, Mrs. Alvarez would advise you to, “Have fun and enjoy every moment. As a student you think time goes so slow but in reality 4 years of high school goes by so fast.”

Mrs. Haberek, a CHS alumna from 2000 wants her students to, “Take advantage of any and all opportunities that high school offers you even if they make you nervous. It's so worth it!”

Mr. Jordan, who graduated in 1993 found a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson appropriate, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”