Before the first ray of the sun shone through the pearly eastern clouds, the Class of 2026 strode in groups into the high school soccer field, chatting with their friends, and in their hands carrying drinks and picnic blankets. Seniors found their own spots on the green grass and settled down as light gusts of wind breezed through the Mentor High School soccer field. The gathering of these students marked the beginning of an end, as the final chapter of their high school era quietly began.
When asked, “What made you want to come to Senior Sunrise this morning?” Senior Milo West-Ayala replied that it was “for the memories”, and senior Nadia Nasky responded with, “I see a lot of Senior Sunrises on social media, and it’s a fun activity that’s like out of a movie. This is also an activity that’s not schoolwork. It sounds simple, but there’s more to it.”
Additionally, senior Ayesha Faruki shared that watching the sunrise with her friends “feels like a conclusion to everything that’s happened so far.” She also mentions starting elementary school with all these people, and “it’s good to have a final moment like this.”
A final piece of advice from Mr.McKnight, who was in charge of planning this year’s event, to the Class of 2026 as they head into senior year: “Take advantage of every opportunity you have.”
