By: Grace Cardoni

Seniors are making the most of their final memories before saying goodbye through celebrating long standing traditions together.

Through the week of May 24 through June 4 seniors participated in many traditions like graduation, the elementary walk, Senior Picnic and Senior Sunset. Each gave students the opportunity to reflect on their time in school while spending time with their friends.

“I’m grateful I get to hold a lot of these events,” Student Council Advisor Mr. Chris Gazze said. “It’s great being able to celebrate with kids I’ve worked with for so long.”

The most significant event in school for many students is the moment they get to walk across Offutt Field and get their diploma and finally feel the freedom of graduating. People who have watched them grow up gather to recognize their years of hard work, accomplishments and, most importantly, all the memories created.

“Thinking about graduation never felt real before,” senior Lorelai Leatherman said. “It is finally hitting me that all the work I’ve put in is finally paying off for the moment I’ve been waiting for.”

Before seniors graduate, they participated in the elementary walk. This gave them the chance to look back on where it all started. Students got the chance to walk through their old elementary schools in their caps and gowns seeing old teachers and younger students looking up to them.

“Thinking about seeing my old teachers is really emotional, but I’m honestly excited,” Leatherman said.

Photo Courtesy: Courtney Paul Photography

Another memorable tradition held was Senior Sunset, hosted by Student Council at Offutt Field. Seniors were invited to participate in a closing tradition to the school year after having Senior Sunrise in the first few weeks of school. Students played games and spent time with friends as they watched the sunset on the city line with friends and classmates.

“The Senior Sunset was one of my favorite activities,” senior Maddie Curtis said. “I thought it was a nice way to close especially with senior sunrise”

Seniors play a game of Spike Ball at Offutt Field during the Senior Sunset.

Photo by: Grace Cardoni

Students also enjoyed the annual Senior Picnic, which allowed them to relax with each other outside of the classroom with the school year being over. Catered food was offered and an ice cream truck allowed for a sweet dessert to end the evening.

“I loved the Senior Picnic,” Curtis said. “It was nice to just go for a little bit and hangout with friends, and the food is always good.”

Seniors line up for food at the Senior Picnic, held at Hempfield Park.

Photo by: Grace Cardoni

As the time approaches where everyone goes in their separate direction, these final traditions allow students to bond with each other one last time to carry the memories of high school with them for a lifetime.

“Having all these closing traditions makes it harder to say goodbye,” Curtis said. “But I really am glad we have them. They are fun and I get to have the last few moments with my class.”