The story of the Class of 2026 didn’t just begin on the first day of senior year. It started all the way back in 7th grade, when most of us were just kids walking into a new school, making new friends and not realizing we’d spend the next six years growing up together. Our journey honestly started differently than most classes. We were the “COVID kids,” going into middle school during one of the weirdest and hardest times, trying to adjust to online classes, masks, social distancing, and everything changing so fast. Back then, none of us probably imagined we’d end up here together as seniors. But somehow, from being awkward middle schoolers in 7th grade to becoming the Senior Class of 2026, we grew up side by side. Through every year, every memory, every up and down, our class always found a way to stay connected. And now, with less than 20 days until graduation, it honestly feels crazy how fast it all went.
Our last and final chapter truly began on September 2nd, 2025, our very last first day of high school.
Just three days later, on September 5th, 2025, the Class of 2026 watched the sunrise together for our Senior Sunrise. Wrapped in blankets and taking endless pictures, we sat together laughing while the sky slowly lit up around us. It was one of the first moments where senior year truly felt real. In that moment, nothing else mattered except being together. It reminded us how strong our class was and how lucky we were to experience these moments side by side.
Soon after came our final pep rally and homecoming, two moments that reminded us how special senior year really was. Standing together one last time as seniors, cheering louder than ever and making the most of every second felt different knowing it would never happen again. Later that night at our last homecoming game, the weather was perfect, the energy felt unreal and everyone was together taking pictures and enjoying the moment. It was one of those nights that felt so simple at the time, but ended up becoming one of the memories we’ll miss the most.
Then came one of the most exciting nights of our senior year: Senior Banquet on November 12, 2025. Dressed up, dancing together and filling the room with nonstop laughter, it became one of those nights we know we will talk about years from now. And honestly, that night perfectly captured our class. Everyone together, singing songs, taking photos, dancing for hours and making memories we never wanted to leave behind. And of course, shoutout to Josh Weingart, the life of the party, who brought everyone together and kept the energy alive all night. He had everyone dancing, laughing, and hyping each other up, making the night even more unforgettable.
As Class President, one of my favorite memories was our Senior Christmas Breakfast before winter break. Sitting together in pajamas in the Senior Lounge, eating breakfast, playing games, listening to music and taking pictures felt so simple, yet so special because we were all together. At the time, none of us realized that once we came back from break, senior year would start flying by even faster and that these would end up being some of the moments we’d miss the most.
Then came one of the best weeks of the entire year: Senior Spirit Week. Every single day brought energy into the halls again. We dressed up, blasted music in the Senior Lounge, danced together, and took what felt like thousands of pictures. Decades Day especially felt like something out of a movie — everyone fully committed, posing for photos and making memories we wanted to hold onto forever. Spirit Week reminded us what made the Class of 2026 special. No matter what happened, we always came together.
Before we knew it, we were all sitting together again at our Applebee’s dinner, enjoying one more night as a class outside of school. Between the food, laughs and conversations, it felt like another reminder that our time together was running out. And of course, Sanjith Thomas once again gave one of his incredible speeches and toasts that somehow always managed to bring everyone together.
In what feels like the blink of an eye, we reached our final semester. College decisions arrived, futures started becoming real and suddenly graduation no longer felt far away. Through all the stress, excitement and emotions, one thing remained true: the Class of 2026 left a mark on this school that will never be forgotten.
Our principal, Mr. Kenny, said it best: “The best senior class ever.”
And maybe what made us the best was not that we were perfect, because we definitely were not. We had our ups and downs, disagreements, stress and chaos, but at the end of the day, we stood together. We showed up for one another. We made memories out of ordinary days and turned this year into something we will remember for years to come.
None of this would have been the same without our advisors, Mr. Reagan and Mr. Herrle. Their support, patience and dedication truly helped shape our senior year into what it became. They believed in our class, supported our ideas and helped create memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Because of them, our senior year became more than just another school year; it became an experience we will always hold close to us.
Our Class Board shared it perfectly:
“Our senior year has truly been the best. We have all made unforgettable memories that make goodbye so hard. It was a pleasure to be your officers for such a great class. We will deeply miss this class.”
And as your Class President, I want to say this:
“As much as I hated the complaints, stress and constant problems, I loved being your Class President even more. I hope I did my best to make this year worth remembering after we graduate.”
With fewer than twenty days until graduation, it is crazy knowing our story here is almost over. Soon these hallways, classrooms, the auditorium and moments in the Senior Lounge will just become memories we look back on. But the memories we made as the Class of 2026 will always stay with us.
So for these final days, let’s make every moment count. One last spirit week. One last walk through the halls. One last time being together as the Class of 2026.
And no matter where life takes us next, a part of us will always belong here, together.
