Ayushi Merchant

Smiling, seniors Miyuu Tani, Disha Nistala, and Ayushi Merchant pose for a picture. The three girls were able to celebrate graduation and their years of friendship through Senior Sunset.

As orange and pink crept into the sky on May 13,  the seniors gathered in the Warrior Bowl to celebrate Senior Sunset. Picnic blankets covered the grass as friends took polaroid pictures and lined up behind the Kona Ice Truck, a sweet treat from StuCo. 

“It was so cute seeing everyone take all the photos and just be carefree and not stressed about exams or leaving school,” Ayushi Merchant ‘24 said. 

From Senior Sunrise to Senior Sunset, seniors are celebrated through events during the school year for the hard work and dedication they put into the last twelve years. During these events, seniors connect with a variety of people — whether they be acquaintances or close friends — for what could potentially be the last time. 

“My goal at the beginning of the school year was to do as many senior things as possible,” Merchant said. “It really allowed me to just enjoy the last year with people.” 

As the sunlight dimmed, StuCo began to pass around letters that the seniors had written to themselves at Senior Sunrise, a twin event that occurred at the beginning of the year. Reading their letters encouraged the seniors to mull over their past experiences and memories of the year. 

“I enjoyed reading the letter I wrote during Senior Sunrise and reflecting on the fact that I made it here despite how much work I had to do and all the stress of senior year,” Selena Molinari ‘24 said. 

With most of the senior class heading off to college next year, Senior Sunset carried mixed feelings of happiness, longing, and anticipation. 

“I will miss the structured aspect of high school the most,” Molinari said. “Going to college can be really daunting, and I’ll miss the normalcy of high school a lot.”