Senior Sunrise: A Golden Moment in time
Updated: Oct 8
An early morning, a beautiful view, and the beginning of one unforgettable final year.
On September 18th, the class of 2027 joined together for an early morning tradition: Senior Sunrise. The tradition is, fittingly, the first of many for this year’s graduating class. Taking place at the beginning of the school year, Senior Sunrise represents the beginning of a new, exciting, and stressful year for students. This year, Senior Sunrise was at the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, where seniors met at 5:30 am for a 6:15 sunrise.
As they reach the beginning of senior year, the end of high school is more tangible for these students than ever before. Holding Senior Sunrise is a way for students to begin what will be their last school year at Rancho as one group. As they watched the sunrise, students bonded with each other and thought of how they wanted to spend their last year together. Senior Eleni Kwatra said that her plan for senior year is to “make as many memories as possible.” Hopefully, Senior Sunrise will be one of the things she looks back on when her senior year is over.
Senior Sunrise is just the first of many different traditions for Rancho seniors, but it sets the tone for the rest of the year. The sunrise is a fitting way for both the school year and traditions to begin. It’s also a beautiful thing to watch. Upon arrival, some students climbed higher to watch the sun emerge, while others took countless photos with friends to remember the morning by. Either way, students were together and enjoying the moment despite the early hour. Seniors Nicky Dalton and Veer Mayo both agreed that seeing the view and being with friends was worth the early morning. While not everybody is a morning person, Senior Sunrise was important enough for many to get up anyway.
The importance of Senior Sunrise was recognized by students and staff alike. Ms. Jongewaard called it “a beautiful way to spend time together,” and students absolutely agreed. For seniors, the tradition marks their last shared beginning. Everything that comes afterward brings them closer to the end of high school and to the beginning of their adult lives. The sunrise was a time for bonding and excitement, but soon enough, the year will end, and students will gather to watch the sunset and say goodbye.
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