With the school year in full swing, the class of 2025 is navigating the ups and downs that senior year entails. Although anxiety first comes to mind when going through the college application season, seniors also look forward to experiencing upcoming events, such as homecoming week, prom, and graduation.

For Ayomikun Bamgbala, 12, maintaining an optimistic mindset is her guiding principle.

“I try to get my work done in class, so when I am at home, I can put my full attention to college applications and college essays,” Bamgbala said. “Although managing all of these things can get overwhelming at times, envisioning the end result of my hard work uplifts and motivates me. I know that the effort that I set forth now will lead to the betterment of my future.”

Over the last few years, the senior class formed lifelong friendships across other classes, including last year’s graduates. The cherishable bonds they created brought joyful memories to them, but now seniors fear whether they will be able to continue their friendships beyond high school.

“A lot of my friends from last year graduated now, and I sometimes worry about how they’re doing and if we can stay in touch,” Charlotte McWaters, 12, said.

As seniors especially, football games are extra impactful as they partake in their last sports seasons before graduating.

“Attending football games as a senior is a lot of fun,” Aleigha Bollen, 12, said. “We get to be creative with dress-up days, bring energy into the crowd, and show our school spirit. I won’t have the same high school football experience in college, so I want to make the most out of every game.”

One of the most anticipated events for seniors, graduation, marks the culmination of the time, energy, and dedication students have put forward into gaining their diplomas.

“I am excited about graduation because it is an ‘I did it’ moment for myself,” Gayathri Vanka, 12, said. “It is also a sentimental time for my family as they are seeing me grow up and begin a new chapter of my life.”