On August 11, 2025, Emerson High School Seniors kick off their final year at the football practice fields with Senior Sunrise. This event combined the excitement of seniors and the dedication of their leadership members.

Senior Sunrise was organized by Maverick Leadership, alongside seniors Rebecca Rovner and Student Body President, David Olaleye. As the name suggests, Senior Sunrise lets the rising senior class gather as a whole and celebrate the transition into their last school year. Whether it be painting cars with chalk markers or taking photos with cardboard props, Senior Sunrise forms friendships that last beyond high school halls.

“Senior Sunrise gives seniors the opportunity to start a new chapter of their lives,” Rovner said. “I thought it really brought our class together.”

With over 500 seniors, the Class of 2026 has a lot of needs and expectations for their special year. Maverick Leadership has chosen 18 students to advocate for their class needs and ultimately represent the whole of the herd. These students not only plan, organize, and lead our senior initiatives, but they also take the ideas and suggestions from their peers.

“We try to compile everyone’s ideas and wants for the year,” Olaleye said. “But most of all, we try to highlight events that get the most student involvement.”

A lot of these students have been in classrooms with each other since kindergarten. Erin Livingston has watched this class of leaders emerge since being freshman. Livingston is both the ambassador and sponsor for Maverick Leadership, and has the opportunity to work with multiple dedicated individuals each year.

“I’m always impressed to watch my students be happy to serve their classmates, come early, set up, to make memories for everyone else with a smile,” Livingston said. “This is my fourth year now, so my freshman students are now seniors, which made this year even more fun and special for me.”

Senior Sunrise gives everyone the chance to start anew and begin a fresh year—students and staff alike. As the year progresses, be sure to keep up with Maverick Leadership to find out more information about school events. Senior Sunrise gave students high expectations for this year, and they now anticipate closing it out with Senior Sunset this May.