With school coming to an end in just a few weeks, there are plenty of things to celebrate, especially for the class of 2024 ! Here are a few senior traditions along with some exciting events coming up to keep an eye out for!

May 1: Decision Day 

Decision day, an annual tradition, is a day filled with plenty of fun activities, food, and fun photo opprtunities for the seniors to partake in. Decision day is a national day where high school seniors wear shirts that represent their plans post-high school. There was a senior breakfast from 8-10am that served a variety of options, including Einstein’s Bagels, fruit, and donuts.  Along with the yummy breakfast, there was a banner set up as a place open for seniors to take pictures all day long. Located next to the photo spot was a map where seniors were able to place pins next to where they will be continuing their journey next year. Throughout the day there were Paws for Patrick Dogs welcoming everyone in the commons. 

May 18: Prom – Step into the Spotlight 

This year, prom will be unique and much different than years prior since it will take place on a yacht. Prom is typically one of the most exciting events of the entire year for attending juniors and seniors. Last year, Prom took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, similar to years prior where Prom has traditionally been held. But this year, prom will be taking place on the water! Even though there seems to be more rules in place in order to create the safest night possible, it will still be such a scenic and eventful night as there are tons of activities planned. For more information, check out this article on The Forest Scout.

May 20: Wellness Walk and Senior Clap-Out

Before the Wellness Walk, a senior class clap-out takes place honoring and wishing farewell to the class of 2024. The wellness walk is returning on May 20, an event that takes place at the end of the year allowing students and staff to take a walk in the middle of the day. It’s a long walk around the campus and through some of the neighboring areas. Once the walk is all done, there are fun activities, games, and wellness-related events that take place on the front lawn for the students or staff. Students have loved this walk in the past, as it is sometimes seen as a “break” during the busy, end-of-school-year academics and business. This is definitely something to look forward to.

May 29-30: Senior finals and last day 

Although many seniors expect to have an early summer, some teachers are requiring students to take some sort of assessment in order to pass their classes. The week consists of the normal Scout Day schedule, including normal block days on Wednesday and Thursday. The seniors will finish up their year on their Thursday block day, while the rest of the students will finish up that week and take their finals the following week. Teachers will give their finals to the seniors any day during that last week. In past years, seniors have gone to  the commons to hug and say goodbye, usually a few tears are shed. 

June 6: Graduation rehearsal 

This event is crucial for graduating students. Run by Mrs. Clegg from 2:00-4:00pm, this afternoon will walk through everything that is going to happen at the actual graduation ceremony. Clegg will run through expectations, timing, give simple hints in terms of fashion, and walk through the process of getting everyone in their seats and up to the stage in an orderly fashion. All seniors will receive their cap and gown at rehearsal. Mr. Goldstein, a fan favorite, will practice pronouncing all the names to make sure they are correct. Finally, seniors will practice walking out from the field house to the front lawn. From there, there will be a barbecue. The senior BBQ takes place right after rehearsal with teachers, classmates, food, and games until 6:30pm on the front lawn.

June 8: Graduation

This ceremony is a huge milestone for the class of 2024. Seniors will close up one chapter and cross the stage into a new era of their lives. The ceremony is from 2:30-4pm and is planned to take place on the front lawn. Families and friends will be in attendance to honor the students’ hard work and achievements. The graduates will be asked to be there early around 1:30pm. Students are not allowed to park on campus, they must be dropped off.  Additionally, every student must arrive on time before the crowd of families starts to come in. The students will meet in the field house, which often serves as a great time to take pictures with friends. They will then file out, as practiced, onto the lawn. Three speeches will be given: one from Student Body President Fritz Bielski, one from Senior Class President Kelsey Bumbaco, and one from the teacher who wins the Distinguished Educator award, which will not be revealed until the day of graduation. Then, Mr. Goldstein will begin the roll call. This is a great moment of celebration for the students.