The beginning of March marks the fast-approaching countdown to the end of school, and no one feels it more than the class of 2024. In the three months leading up to graduation, many seniors are reflecting on their past events and looking forward to the remaining few.
All of the reminiscing and excitement begs the question: has senior year felt memorable for Aliso students?
The year started off senior celebrations with senior sunrise on Sept. 18. Seniors were able to watch the sunrise with their friends on the football field.
“Senior sunrise was fun. We had a blast together,” says Josie Zamora (12).
However, the event was somewhat dampened for some when everyone was asked to leave by the football team, who forced everyone off the field after only an hour.
The beginning of the school year felt especially memorable for all the seniors who participated in the homecoming game halftime show. The seniors had the largest group out of any grade level and their performance stole the show. The seniors performed their choreographed country dance in accordance with the theme of the dance, Mixtape.
Despite the long practices, those who participated enjoyed the experience and it brought them together with a shared sense of community.
In addition to the halftime show, the homecoming dance can also be considered a landmark event for senior year. Considering how the class of 2024 did not get to experience a “true” freshman year due to COVID-19 and quarantine, making the most of the last homecoming was important to a lot of seniors.
One event that did not live up to the hype for many was Senior Snow Day.
The event was meant to be a fun activity for all seniors and was a letdown in the minds of many. The lack of excitement seemed to be born from the fact that many students just got the treats and left instead of staying to enjoy the moment with their peers.
But as the second semester breezes by, many believe the best memories are yet to come.
Before spring break, seniors can look forward to Clash of the Classes. The battle always inspires camaraderie between students of the same grade level.
This year’s clash is bound to be interesting considering the senior class’ history of apathy. While most years seniors are predicted to win the clash, this year might not be the case because the class of 2024 consistently comes in last during the clash. Either way, the seniors will likely come together and unite against their younger peers.
Prom is one of the other last important memories that awaits the seniors. The dance is set for May 4 and many students have already begun dress shopping. When reflecting back on high school experiences, prom is one of the most memorable events. The senior class will have their eyes on ASB in hopes they make it a night to remember.
When asked about what she most looks forward to for the remainder of senior year, Taylor Clark (12) says, “I think prom and grad night are the two biggest things”
In the last month, there will be a whirlwind of other events designed to make seniors feel special in anticipation of their big day. The senior sendoff rally and senior sunset are two more opportunities for the seniors to get ready to say their inevitable goodbyes.
Seniors can also look forward to senior awards to celebrate their hard-earned accomplishments over their four years at Aliso.
Senior nights are another special celebration that recognizes senior’s athletic performances.
Katie Dunakin (12) shares, “I’m excited for senior night for softball and I think that senior night is fun for athletes.”
Senior brunch and the long-awaited day of graduation will probably hit seniors the hardest. It is bittersweet to spend the last few days of high school with friends and walk across that final stage together.
Although many constantly say they cannot wait to graduate and go on their separate ways to their new chapters, the actual day it happens is an emotional reality.
The most anticipated upcoming event by far is Grad Nite. Grad Nite is run by Aliso Niguel’s PTSA and it will be held on June 5 at California Adventure Park at Disneyland.
Maya Deiser (12) comments, “I’m definitely looking forward to grad nite. It’s unfortunate that there were not a lot of tickets.”
Students who were not able to get tickets for the event before they sold out were disappointed, but there might still be hope if there are more released within the next month.
Although there is still a long way to go, seniors can say they’ve had an unforgettable year. But life is only what you make it, meaning it’s important for seniors to be the ones to make the most of the last three months in whichever way they choose.
