Over the past four years, the seniors have made a mark on the clubs, academics, and extracurriculars at the high school. In order to create the 2025 graduating class time capsule, each student had a different and unique item that they thought symbolized their time at RCHS.
Senior Madelyn Jones chose to leave a camera from Mr. Hamelman’s Photojournalism class in the time capsule, because the class made an impact on her and has been a way to get involved.
“Mr. Hamelman helped me find my love for photography and created many opportunities. Photography and Photojournalism have been a big part of my highschool career, and I’ve been able to find a great community in these classes,” Jones said.
Another student, senior Mattie Robinson, has been a musical figure throughout high school, and chooses to leave a memorable item that reminds her of her unique marching band role.
“I’ve been a part of the marching band since I was in 8th grade and it’s always been something I’ve looked forward to every fall. I put in the Beret because the sousaphone players are the only people that get to wear it, so it was special to me,” Robinson said.
Senior Lauren Owens put another object in the time capsule that reminds her of the 6 dances seniors have gotten to attend over the past four years. This memorable object reminds her of dressing up to take pictures and fun with friends at Evan’s Dining Hall.
“I would put a prom ticket in the time capsule because of the importance it has held in my high school career. I have gone to all the dances and have experienced great memories and the ticket is a sweet reminder,” Owens said.
Senior James Higgins also put in a sentimental item. A chain that symbolizes Lexington gives him and the time capsule a touch of home.
“My LEX chain, short for Lexington, represents my journey as a recognizable figure. I’ve had more people recognize me for my music than anything else, and the chain symbolizes that,” Higgins said.
Art Class has been a highlight of Senior Haylie Hite’s career, so she would put oil pastels in the capsule.
“During my time in Studio Art, all of my favorite pieces have been oil pastel, because they have given me a lot more freedom to experiment with color theory, which is my favorite part of creating art. Through Art Class, I have made many of my friends and have grown close to Ms. Allen. Oil pastels will always remind me of my time here and how I grew as an artist and a person,” Hite said.
Some seniors had a great relationship with the academic part of high school. Senior Alexander Miller wanted to put in a Pythagorean Theorem Proof to help him remember his math journey and the classes he took to get him where he is academically.
“Essentially, the Pythagorean Theorem Proof represents my high school math struggles, my newfound passion for mathematics, and my appreciation for Mrs. Hadley and my other math instructors who have helped me come so far,” Miller said.
Senior Alexa Hartless’ object had a hidden meaning. A balance scale not only symbolizes science class, but for Hartless, it symbolizes the ups and downs of high school.
“Over the past 4 years, I have experienced a lot of stress, and sometimes it wasn’t always because of school. School has been a happy place for me, somewhere where I can balance everything out, and a place to be around other people. When I thought about the balance scale, I was thinking about how high school has affected my life and how accurate it was to my experience. Especially because the good always ended up outweighing the bad,” Hartless said.
Hopefully, the 2025 senior class can remember this time capsule in 20 years to reflect on their memories and accomplishments.
