Mt. Hope Seniors Reminisce, Sign Yearbooks At Cookout

Members of the graduating class of 2011 laughed and reminisced at the on Monday while they spent the afternoon feasting on pizza and Del's Lemonade during their senior cookout.

Most students sat around picnic tables signing yearbooks and laughing about the good times they shared in their four year trek of high school. But many of the buzzing conversations displayed a hint of sadness.

"I'm excited, but sad," said Catelynn DaCosta, 18, of Bristol. "I'm going to miss seeing my friends all the time and cheerleading competitions. I've been cheering for 11 years. I love those memories."

While some students focused on the past, others focused on moving forward into college.

"I'm really happy that it's summer first of all, but I'm really excited to start something new," said Kyle Batista, 18, of Bristol, who will attend Rhode Island College in the fall to study criminal justice. 

"Going to college is like starting real life," Batista's friend, Louis Francis, echoed.

18-year-old Corey Joy also agrees with Batista and says he looks forward to college life at the Community College of Rhode Island.

"I know in college you get lots of breaks," Joy said. "I'm looking forward to having a lot more free time."

On Tuesday, the seniors will spend the day on Block Island and on Saturday, June 11, 257 seniors will receive their diplomas during the graduation ceremonies being held at noon at .