As Montclair High School’s final bell of this school year approaches, freshmen students buzz with anticipation, not for final exam grades, but for their very first summer vacation as high schoolers. This summer marks a milestone, the first break after stepping into a new chapter of their lives. From international travel to quiet days at home, summer means something different for everyone.
Gabriella Fioretti, a freshman at MHS, is prepping for her annual family-filled summer. “My family goes to South Carolina and Colorado every summer to visit family,” Fioretti said. It’s a tradition that blends both relaxation and reconnection. The trip is split evenly, one week in each state.
“We’re flying and driving—flying out, then driving between places,” Fioretti said. As per usual, they will be staying with relatives in Colorado and returning to their own vacation house in South Carolina. Though she’s visited both places many times before, she still looks forward to the familiar.
“I’m most excited to see friends and family,” Fioretti said. Due to the family’s experience in these areas, they tend to not plan for any specific activities. “It’ll get figured out as we go.” That flexibility leaves room for adventure, something she’s definitely seeking this summer. “I’m looking to explore and have an adventure,” Fioretti said, despite the familiarity of the destinations. While she’s not chasing new experiences in the traditional sense, it’s the intangible takeaways that matter most to her. “Memories,” Fioretti said simply. That’s what she hopes to bring home.
While some students are heading to familiar destinations, others are diving into brand new experiences. Cameron Brown, a freshman at MHS, is gearing up for her first-ever trip to Miami.
“We’re going to drive down as a family and rent a house for the week,” Brown said. “I’m most excited about the beach. And we’re going to this fancy restaurant—I’m really looking forward to that.” For Brown, this summer is all about recharging and reminiscing.
“I just want to relax. That’s the main thing,” Brown said. And though she’s not packing her itinerary full of plans, she’s already thinking about capturing the moment. “I’m gonna take some cool pictures while I’m there.”
On the cooler side of things, freshman Vivienne Kurland plans to set sail for Alaska. “It’s my first time going, and I’m traveling with my family.” Kurland’s journey starts with a flight that takes her to the cruise ship, and that is where the real fun begins. The seven-day journey promises plenty of excitement.
“In Juneau, we’re going kayaking through glaciers. In Skagway, there’s a three-hour train ride through the wilderness,” Kurland said. “I’m hoping to have an adventure. I think just going to Alaska in general will be the experience.” Kurland’s goals for the trip go beyond sightseeing. “I want to come back as a naturalist,” she joked, “but really, I hope to take away overall happiness.”
Clearly, these freshmen have their summers cut out for them. Whether it’s reuniting with family in the mountains of Colorado and South Carolina, or it’s soaking in the sun on the beaches of Florida, or navigating icy waters in Alaska, MHS students are looking forward to more than just time off. They are hoping to find connection, adventure, and memories that will last far beyond the summer of 2025.
