As the 2021-2022 school year progressed, Seniors started the final countdown of their last high school year. For many, Freshman year felt like yesterday, but graduation was approaching rapidly. Traditionally, Senior year called for many events: senior pranks, Prom, grad night. But one event kicked off the year and acted as the first of the last memories in high school: Senior Sunrise. 

   At Senior Sunrise, every 12th grader was invited to come together and watch the sun rise. On Tuesday, October 26, West High Seniors rose before 6:45 a.m. and gathered at the stadium to watch the sunrise. Though many were swaddled in blankets, the cold weather did not stop them from having fun. Clara Han (12) expressed, “It was hard waking up early but I didn’t want to miss Senior Sunrise … it is something I’ll always remember.”

   Such an early rise proved to be no issue for Seniors, especially when it included donuts and muffins. PTSA generously donated donuts, muffins, cupcakes, and water for all attending Seniors so that students could enjoy a delicious breakfast. Students took pictures, made TikTok videos, and enjoyed time with friends. Ms. Eriksen, who helped plan the event, shared, “By the time everyone is a Senior they are ready to really be involved… so it is fun to see people participating that maybe wouldn’t have before.”

   The class of 2022 was feeling the excitement of finally being back on campus and experiencing every moment of their last high school year. While students still had to follow COVID-19 guidelines, they were able to participate in more school activities. “It felt nice to experience normality again,” John Blais (12) said. “Being with your friends on campus [and] making memories are things that will make this year fun.” Kicking off the year with Senior Sunrise, the class of 2022 shared Blais’s optimism for their last year at West.