Senior year is best known as the last year of high school, where the oldest students in high school move on with their lives to venture into being adults. Along with the stressful aspects that senior year may uphold, it’s also filled with activities, enjoyment and fun. 

With the realization that it’s truly their last week, seniors continue to try and soak up the remaining bits of their last year. To help with that, senior class sponsors like Michael Thompson (staff) put activities in place.

“Most of the senior activities are traditional things that have been done by every senior class over the past few years. However, other events that occurred throughout the year on behalf of the senior class were planned, advertised and carried out by senior members of the Student Council,” Thompson stated. 

Though teachers see the recurrence of students coming and going, the connections shared never go away. Teachers have also already gone through high school and higher education, so they can easily help students on their post-secondary paths.

“Being a senior class sponsor has its ups and downs, but in the end, we are trying to maximize the experience of our seniors’ last year of high school. In this role, we have followed this senior class through all four years of high school supporting them in their various activities, events and endeavors,” Thompson said. 

Leaving everything behind can be hard for students. One student in particular who is excited about her newfound freedom on her own still has her fears at the same time. This student is Shannon Cooney (12). She will be attending Colorado State University in the fall.

“I’m sad. I liked my time in high school but of course, I’m also excited for college and moving on with my life. But overall I’m just feeling nostalgic right now because I’m doing the last things that I’ll never do again,” Cooney explained. 

Along with Cooney, Caleb Morrow (12) is in the same sense of realization.

“Honestly, the realization that it’s my last week hasn’t hit me yet. I’m just trying to get my grades up,” Morrow stated. 

Upcoming activities include the Senior Brunch on Monday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. There, seniors will pick up their cap and gowns; they will also locate their seating assignment for the graduation ceremony.

Another upcoming activity is the practice graduation ceremony. That will take place Friday, May 24, at 11 a.m. This run-through is mandatory for seniors wishing to attend the graduation ceremony. 

The actual graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at Blue Arena. Seniors must be at the arena by 9:30 a.m. 

As the final week comes to an end for seniors, teachers wish their students luck with their future lives on their own as new adults.

“Have fun, enjoy the day, be respectful and thank the people who have gotten you through the 13 years of your educational journey. This graduation celebration is for them as well as for you,” Thompson said.

• Wednesday, May 15: Yearbook Distribution and Signing Party
• Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m.: Senior Awards Night and Cording Ceremony (Seniors who receive scholarships and/or other post-secondary awards will be acknowledged)
• Thursday, May 16: Last day to get PLATO coursework completed in order to count toward graduation
• Friday, May 17:  Seniors’ last academic day. ALL fees paid and Chromebook, charger, textbooks and library books must be returned in order to participate in the graduation ceremonies
• Friday, May 17:  Senior Sunset at 7:30 p.m. at Horsetooth Reservoir
• Monday, May 20, at 11 a.m.: Senior brunch. Pick up cap and gown. Locate the seating chart in the aux gym. Class photo in the main gym
• Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m.: Baccalaureate Program; participating Seniors arrive at 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 24, at 11 a.m.: MANDATORY graduation practice in the WHS auditorium. Student absence must be cleared ahead of time. Students who do not attend the practice and have not been excused by the administration will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony
• Sunday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m.: Graduation Ceremony at Blue Arena. Seniors must report by 9:30 a.m.