Last one, best one. For many seniors, the end of the school year is about more than graduation; it’s about saying goodbye to the activities they put their heart and soul into throughout the past four years.
Each extracurricular has their own way of honoring seniors. There’s senior nights, wearing dresses to concerts instead of uniforms, and standing on stage with parents at final performances.
Over in the fine arts department, Cadence Troxel is the theater president and choir vice president. As she ends her time in these programs, Troxel looks back on the legacy and changes she has brought to her organizations.
“It’s really sad, I’ve worked all four years in both of those positions,” Troxel said. “I’ve tried to make changes in the choir program, and it’s scary to leave it all behind and say I’m done with it but I am also just excited for the future.”
Meanwhile in the athletic department, while their goal might be to win games, the sport ends up meaning so much more to the students.
“[LT soccer] is a community where I have been challenged to grow and learn with my fellow teammates,” Maria Wilshire said. “It’s bittersweet and sad knowing that I won’t be able to play soccer at LT and see my friends.”
In saying goodbye to extracurriculars, seniors are saying goodbye to the spirit of high school, community, and the people who have helped them grow along the way. No activity may feel this goodbye more than those in the Student Council.
“I will miss getting to see students excited and peppy at StuCo events; from state send-offs to pep rallies to dances, I have really enjoyed being able to interact with the student body. I will also miss all of the amazing people I have met through STUCO,” STUCO president Rafael Chen Gan said.
It is valuable to note how the typical high school experience tends to only honor the stereotypical activities. Sports, theater, marching band, drill team. But there’s more to the extracurricular value of high school than just those activities. One example is mock trial, an organization which asks students to step outside their comfort zone.
“I’ve learned how to speak up. I feel like I’ve truly gained my voice through [mock trial and orchestra],” Mahi Bhatnagar said. “I learned to speak up for myself and learned to truly execute what I want: be creative and don’t fear what other people are going to think.”
Extracurriculars can change the trajectory of a student’s high school career. Organizations can provide students with leadership opportunities, friends, and growth experience.
“I used to be pretty shy, but STUCO definitely made me an extrovert and has given me important skills that I will continue to use throughout my life,” STUCO Vice President Noor Cheema said.
In programs like Best Buddies, participating in such an activity is less about personal growth and involvement. Best Buddies is about being a friend for someone and guiding the community of students in the organization.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from Best Buddies is that it doesn’t have to be about you to have fun,” Nicholas Griffin said. “Just being with the kids is so amazing because each of them are such a light. They make you feel so special, like you’re truly one in a million.”
An important role seniors with a leadership position have is guiding the future of their organization At the end of the year, many seniors will provide their advice to underclassmen.
“We get caught up with stressing ourselves out over being perfect – I’m not good enough in this role, I’m not doing enough for my theater program – but as long as you strive to be a little each day than you were each day you don’t have to worry about doing enough because improvement is all that matters,” Troxel said.
Now that graduation is only a few weeks away it is time for the seniors to hang up their high school hats as they go onto a new chapter. While they wait for graduation day this current period is a time of reflecting on what they have learned.
“You have nothing to lose when your goal is to experience,” Cheema said. “So I hope I get to leave the type of legacy where people see that side of leadership.”
