The final year of high school approaches for Class of 2023

As the 2021-22 school year reaches an end, juniors reflect on their anticipation for the upcoming senior year. Excitement as well as fright permeate through the junior class. They share what they look forward to in their last year of high school.

Cooper Saelzer hopes for a fun and easy senior year. 

“I would describe my upcoming senior year as exciting, because I think it’s gonna be such a fun year,” Saelzar said. “I’m also excited to have fewer classes next year.”

Saelzer’s favorite parts of his high school experience is joining the boy’s volleyball team and going to formal with his friends. He will be taking video productions next year and is excited for the opportunity to study videography.

“I love seeing and hanging out with my friends and teachers, they make school a lot more enjoyable,” Saelzer said. “I’ve never taken a media class and the idea of making videos and learning how to make videos seems interesting to me.”

College application season hasn’t started quite yet, but Saelzar already has some ideas.

“My dream college is the University of Hawaii, because it seems like such a dream to me,” Saelzer said. “The weather, the culture and the environment is just something I really want to explore.”

Saelzar aims for a 4.0 GPA and straight A’s during his last year. 

Like Saelzer, Lindsay Logan explains how she, too, is thrilled to become a senior.

“I’m really looking forward to bonding with my classmates and going on senior trips,” Logan said. “I think it’ll be exciting and different, but I also I think it might be a little stressful with all the responsibilities of becoming a senior.”

Logan enjoys cheer, including cheerleading at games and traveling for competitions with the team. Her biggest fear regarding senior year is knowing high school will come to an end. 

Logan has looked at a few college options, but has not made a concrete decision.

“I’ve looked at colleges like GCU and Fresno State,” Logan said. “But I haven’t made a decision yet on which one I want to go to.” 

Logan strives to work as hard as she can and create as many memories as possible before graduation.

Like his classmates, Mason Petrie looks towards to the increased freedom being a senior grants.

“I’m stoked to be more free with my classes and getting to plan out my future for next year,” Petrie said. “I’m also looking forward to playing more sports and just having fun with my friends.”

Petrie enjoyed being in leadership for the first time this year. Mason sees his senior year as an opportunity for growth, fun and excitement. The best part of his high school career includes beginning to attend Fresno Christian and gaining opportunities not possible in public schools.

Petrie anticipates joining next year’s Feather team and trying something new.

“I’m really looking forward to doing The Feather next year,” Petrie said. “I’ve always enjoyed making videos and I think it’ll be fun to learn how to do it more professionally.”

Petrie has not looked at any colleges but has his eyes set on Master’s University. Petrie is choosing to focus on his senior year grades, rather than stress about college decisions. 

The school year is about to finish, but it is only the beginning for the junior class, as the next chapter of high school quickly approaches.

To read more from The Feather, go to Photo reflections from, Taylor Beckworth or Feather staff steps into editor roles.