It is hard to believe that the end is near for the Class of 2026. Four years of cramming for tests, studying for quizzes, Friday Night Lights, laughs with friends in the hallways, racing down the Religion wing to be the first in the wrap line, and even being yelled at for not having our lanyards on. All of these things are what made our four years so special, and we got to celebrate our achievements and hard work through a cherished tradition at Spalding: Senior Spirit Week.
The week started with students being able to rep their college, trade school, or whatever plans they decided to pursue post-high school. Then, Tuesday is arguably the most anticipated day in our entire high school careers (besides graduation), Decorate Your Uniform Day. We were able to decorate our uniforms with fun colors that reflected our plans after high school. Shirts were tie-dyed, skirts were painted, and pants were cut into various designs. This was not only a chance to show what we plan to do after we graduate, but also to show who we are.
Wednesday was Senior Citizen Day, when we could dress up as a senior citizen if we chose. Some students went as far as bringing walkers/canes. No matter what we decided to wear to represent senior citizens, it was our chance to bond with classmates and act a little silly.
Thursday was our final day of classes and a regular dress-down day. We said bye to the teachers and staff who made the most impact on us, and ran through our schedule one last time.
Then, on the final day of the week, which is the most emotional. Friday was Senior Salute; we got to school at 8:45, and filed into the PAC one last time. After Ms. Adams reminded us of our final expectations, the underclassmen entered the PAC. We then watched a 1-hour 27-minute video of our last 4 years. John Robuck and Jonathan Bromley spent the entire school year piecing together pictures and videos of our last four years. They worked together to create a memorable video that left no dry eyes in the auditorium. The video also included final goodbyes from our teachers.
Then, for the last time, the Class of 2026 was dismissed from the PAC. We then, bonding over our shared sadness, hugged our peers, friends, teachers, and underclassmen. We said goodbye to the hallways that shaped our last four years, the teachers who worked with us to help us achieve our goals, and the custodians who always wore smiles on their faces.
The last four years will be core memories for the rest of our lives. They transformed us into the adults we are today. Although it is bittersweet and the chapter of high school has come to an end, the rest of our lives still lie ahead of us, and for what, we can be excited. New experiences where we will be able to apply our “One in Christ” motto. It is not goodbye, Spalding – it is see you later.
