By: Mahira Rahman and Sid Raghunath

   The class of 2025 has said goodbye, so the school year slowly comes to an end. Watching the seniors go is a bittersweet moment for many underclassmen as these individuals have guided teams and clubs and influenced the school’s spirit and traditions. Seniors left a lasting impression, whether as just another student in a class, as a sports team captain, as a club leader, or as a friend.

   Underclassmen now consider what they have learned and will miss the most as they embark on the next phase of their lives. 

   “The parking lots are so much more open without seniors, and I can finally park in more convenient spaces,” junior Sid Thomas explained.

   Most drivers at Marriotts Ridge want to leave as soon as possible after school, and when seniors were present, underclassmen were forced to park farther away from convenient areas, forcing most to leave later. With seniors now gone, the parking situation at Marriotts Ridge has become less congested. The highly desirable parking lot near the Athletic Rooms has become more open, and Marriotts Ridge drivers have taken advantage of this opportunity, but as the remaining students gain benefits, they also receive some drawbacks.

   “My classes are so empty because all of our seniors left. Some of my friends were seniors, and classes feel so boring now,” sophomore Hansi Reddicherla said.

   Classes that used to be packed with seniors now feel like empty rooms, and the remaining students feel a major difference. Students who had many senior friends now feel like classes, outside of the educational matters, are lackluster compared to how they used to be. The absence of seniors creates a noticeable difference as the classes feel emptier, lunch shifts seem quieter, and the hallways feel bigger. As these changes occur, there is a shift in the dynamic as underclassmen can take on leadership roles left by the graduated seniors.

   “Even though my senior friends are gone, they helped and taught me how to handle school and extracurricular activities, and as I rise as a junior, I can use what they’ve shown,” sophomore Aanya Contractor explained.

   Many students share this sense of gratitude, as many of their senior friends have guided them through vital school skills and activities, whether managing a heavy workload, leading a club, or navigating the inevitable pressures of school. These bonds between underclassmen and seniors go beyond just friendships. Most seniors at MRHS help students step into new roles and encourage them to thrive in the next school year. While the halls do feel emptier, the influence of past students remains, helping the next generation of students.

   Now it is time for the class of 2026 to step into the shoes of the seniors. Juniors are ready to continue the traditions and fill in the roles of clubs, sports, and more. Juniors are now given the opportunity to bring their ideas to the table.