Seniors and Teachers Reflect on the End of an Era

By Adali V. and Aubrey B.

As the final weeks of high school pass by, a

noticeable mix of excitement and nervousness fill the halls of Mountain Range High School. For the graduating class of 2026, this is a time of significant change, marked by the bittersweet

realization that their high school years are

drawing to a close. Teachers too are working through many emotions as they prepare to send their students out into the world.

The feeling among seniors is one of eager anticipation for what there is in store for them

after graduation. “I’m mostly excited to make music with my band.” shared senior Louise V. “I’ll also be doing music production, going on tours, and actually just hang out.”

However, this excitement is also felt alongside a healthy amount of nerves. “I’ve had a plan of

what I want to do after high school since freshman year but I don't know if I can follow through

with it. Since I would have to schedule around myself which most people aren't used to yet.”

admitted senior William S.

The case of “senioritis,” a noticeable decline in motivation and academic engagement as the

finish line approaches, is also a reality for many. “My math classes historically have been my

least favorite classes. With the way that every teacher has a different way they do work and

keep track of everything and I'm not keeping track of that,” shared Benny M.

Looking back, some seniors show a want to have approached their high school years differently. “I wish I got better grades my junior and sophomore year because I'm struggling as a senior, ” stated Madi C.

Plans for life after graduation are very different. Ben B. shared what he will be doing after

graduation: “I’m going to be going into fashion design and jewelry.” What they will miss the most also differs. Jade D. shared how she will miss the people at school. “You know when you hang around people and they’re super cool and fun and it makes you look forward to a time of day?” she shared.

For teachers, the graduation of their senior students brings up a mix of emotions. “I’m feeling

excited for them,” expressed Ms. Shauna Rigli, an MRHS art teacher. “I think it’s a fun time in their life with the transition and new things coming, and they’re excited for high school to be over.”

However, there’s also a noticeable sense of loss. “I think I’m always really hopeful that they’ll do something really good,” stated Mr. Mitch Davis, an MRHS science teacher. “And what’s great is you see them in five years from now and they’re all politicians or doctors and stuff.”

Teachers often point to specific moments of growth as particularly memorable. Ms. Ellerie

Freisinger, a student teacher here at Mountain Range mentioned how she’s seen her senior

students grow. “I think I've started to see that transition that they're thinking about beyond school now. And that's been really cool to be a part of.”

As the graduation ceremony approaches, the air is heavy with anticipation. For seniors, it’s the

dawn of a new chapter, filled with both promise and the unavoidable anxieties of the unknown. For teachers, it’s a time of reflection, pride, and quiet acknowledgement of how fast time went by.