The music cues as seniors file down the aisle toward the stage, tassels bouncing in a rhythmic motion with each step taken. Beneath each maroon cap is a student with a smile from ear to ear.

Others shed happy tears for the most anticipated day of high school, graduation. Side by side, parents hold cameras, eager to catch every minute. Shown on screens above begins a slideshow of senior pictures and memorable moments captured. Speeches given by the valedictorian, principal and class president open up the ceremony.

The day has finally arrived; the memory of every parent’s baby entering kindergarten flickers in the minds of parents as high school students accept their individual diplomas. Within a blink of an eye, football games, themed formals, homecoming including new and old friendships will become sealed memories in the chapter of high school. Another story is added and imprinted into our hearts for what waits ahead begins a new beginning, new story and new chapter.

From day one of freshmen year to the final day of senior year, many memorable days lie in between. The feeling of first entering high school becomes a distant memory. Each year brings a new sense of insight and confidence to face on the challenges of life. Within every individual grows a unique personality that continues to grow with each passing year.

Within a blink of an eye, football games, themed formals, homecoming, new and old friendships will become sealed memories in the chapter of high school. Another story is added and imprinted into our hearts for what waits ahead begins a new beginning, new story and new chapter. — The Feather Staff

Beginning as a freshman, the struggle to make new friends can be difficult while trying to balance the weight of high school classes. The day of graduation seems like a century ahead compared to obstacles faced as a freshman.

As sophomore year rolls around, students feel a sense of confidence after gone through the trials of freshmen year.  For juniors, the pressure of college and grades becomes stressful as they take into consideration their career ahead. The last final year for seniors lies as the last stretch of homework and final projects.

Each year comes trials and situations pushing each individual to overcome and persevere through. High school represents a time of many “firsts”. Whether it be first car or first formal, these tiny details become memories we will forever remember for the rest of our lives. The dedication and advice given by teachers is forever cemented into the minds of students. The duration in high school has prepared students with wisdom and tools to applicate to their lives as adults.

Many late nights and coffee runs later, each student has successfully completed hours of hard work. What lies ahead begins a new adventure. We hold a new sense of hope for what the pathway will be like in the future. Our mind begins to ponder what our life will be in ten years. Will we be married with kids, achieve our dream job or become a millionaire?

While it seems as though the chapter of high school is closing, the chapter for lower grades continues to write it’s story. Each grade steps up to a new challenge and place. Juniors taking the place of leadership from leaving seniors. 

No longer are they the ones looking up to others for leadership, but become the ones leading. New freshman pile in, unsure of themselves, attempting to learn the ways off high school while fitting in the best they can.

The end of the year gives students and teachers time to recuperate for the coming year. Graduation becomes one last celebration to remember good times and hard work spent in the years of high school. For seniors, the relief of hard work is paid off once the touch of parchment of a diploma is grasped in their hands. Please share a favorite memory or story from your high school experience. 

For the previous editorial please read, EDITORIAL: Journalists evolve moral qualities, hone ethics.

For last year’s closing editorial read, EDITORIAL: Pushing through the final stretch.