Senior year is big. It can be intimidating, exciting, or a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. While completing college applications and personal statement essays, we are encouraged to decide on our plans for the future, consider our college major, or envision what we want to do for a career.
However, senior year can also be the best part of high school. We did it. We’ve put in all the hard work, and now it’s time to showcase all of our efforts. It’s a year to grow more independence, celebrate, and be more excited than we’ve ever been. Before we know it, our parents and friends will be cheering us on as we throw our caps into our next chapter.
In an interview with one of my classmates, I asked her to give one piece of advice to her freshman year self: “Everyone is too focused on what they’re doing to worry about what you’re doing, so don’t worry about it. Do what makes you happy”. This is inspiring, as many of us worry about how others perceive us; however, it’s always best to be true to ourselves.
The truth is, being eighteen and soon to graduate high school is not as perfect as it seems. I would even go far enough to say that many of us wish we could be at HMHS for another four years!
While each step in this senior year/post-high-school process is to be valued, it’s especially exciting to focus on the fun activities that come from senior year: Senior Sunrise, PowderPuff, Spirit Week, Senior Days, and Disney, just to name a few!
In a second interview, I talked with a friend about what they’re most looking forward to senior year: “I am excited for our Disney trip. It will be fun to get to travel with the people I grew up with”.
This is a unique aspect of graduating high school in a town like Haddonfield. Here, it is not uncommon for people to grow up together. In many ways, this makes Haddonfield a special place. You always have someone by your side who has known you for much of your life, ready to support you no matter what. For many, it will be extremely hard to leave home and to move away from some of the people they love most.
However, “new” can be amazing. “New” comes with new beginnings, a time to have fun, a new place to connect with others, and more opportunities to learn! Overall, it seems fair to say that the Class of 2026 is ready for what comes next! Yet, there’s so much of senior year left to enjoy. And of course, we will enjoy every last minute of it.
