By: Sophia Feldman

   Nostalgia fills my brain as seniors of 2026 collectively listen to Landslide by Fleetwood Mac while looking through photos of friends through high school. As seniors start the final year at Marriotts Ridge, we venture into a year designed to congratulate us on their achievements through secondary education. Many events have traditionally been set to commemorate seniors and guide us through a unique journey through our last year. 

   Senior Sunrise was the first of many activities for seniors as a day filled with sunshine and smiles. The event was a great way to set the celebratory tone of senior year as we reunited after the hazy days of summer with excitement and joy. We enjoyed putting our hands to task. The traditional craft of painting on jeans to prepare for the event was worth it to see the sea of shining students in colorful jeans and white tops flowing in unity on the field. 

   The warmth from the cafeteria ovens blending with the smell of salty old bay on steaming crabs commenced not only a mentally but physically fulfilling activity. Despite the cuts from the crab claws, the pleasure of consuming this seafood was rewarding enough. For students with dietary restrictions, they were welcomed with pizza, bread and vegetables so my friends and I could enjoy a shared meal. 

   Then the stress started rolling, time sped up, and we were frantic to make college applications in time. Every conversation amongst the senior class consisted of: “Where are you applying?,” “How many applications have you submitted so far,” and “Help, I am shutting down and don’t want to go to college anymore.” Although stress was abundant, the air became less thick as we successfully completed applications, and enjoyed the temporary blissful oblivion of not having to receive decisions for post-secondary education. 

   In the fall and spring, the hard-working senior athletes in varsity sports were congratulated in senior nights where students received special acknowledgement of their commitment to MRHS sports. In my experience of participating in senior night for varsity Tennis, the event truly brought up emotions and encapsulated four years of grit and determination, as well as memories with teammates and coaches. 

   As spring crept in and flowers bloomed, a noticeable increase in waterguns, floaties and goggles commenced the start of the traditional game, Senior Assassin. Though not school-affiliated, the event is a significant part of the senior class activities, and is continuously played as amusing and youthful. Although I was eliminated from the game in the second round, the experience was one to remember as a last opportunity to play with others to feel childhood once more.

   Joy and laughter in the senior class was not only shared in water gun fights, but also on the dance floor. Although the day was shared with juniors, senior prom was extra special as we jumped down to enjoy the booming music together for our last formal event. The experience was different from junior prom, as we danced knowing it could be the last time we move and groove in unison, so seniors made sure to make the time worthwhile. Whether through food, dance or pictures we had a late-night blast.

   A small yet significant activity was the senior breakfast during flex time. Seniors were given the opportunity to bring our own morning meal to enjoy together while sharing stories and decorating paper graduation caps. Some of us even brought catering to share, such as Dunkin Donuts’ munchkins, desserts, and drinks. 

   On May first, our final pep rally took place in the field on a bright, sunny day. We loudly represented the seniors by cheering for our peers in sports and field games to leave a loud and luxurious legacy for the class of 2026. Whether we wore our college shirts for commitment day or the signed senior class shirts, seniors were decked out with school spirit.

   Seniors will be able to enjoy even more activities specially catered to their last year of high school, as we look forward to the Senior Picnic on the last day of school to celebrate after the stress of finals and say goodbye to our beloved teachers and underclassmen. Lastly, graduation is the final goodbye as we fill Meariwheather Post Pavillion to officially end the high school career and enjoy senior week at Ocean City. The melancholic memories will stay preserved forever after a long and special senior year. As Stevie Nicks sings, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.