As the final days of our high school careers slip away, the Class of 2025 is preparing for an emotional series of events to mark the end of their four-year journey. These celebratory moments represent not just the close of a big chapter in our lives, but the opening of another.
The celebration begins May 29 with Senior Sunrise, a tradition on Helman’s Field. Students will gather with pillows, blankets, and painted jeans representing future colleges or career paths. It’s a peaceful sendoff before the herd of events coming later on. The school provides breakfast snacks and games to lighten everyone’s mood as the seniors reflect on their journey. “It allows everyone to show off what college or career they’re going to,” said Josh Kelley, a member of the executive council. “It’s cool to see where everyone else is going in their future.” Though this event is run by the student body, its emotional weight is felt by everyone. As the sun rises, the realization of the countdown to graduation begins.
Prom night arrives on May 30 at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. With tickets sold in the cafeteria, students prepare for a night of dancing along with food and special lifetime memories. “By choosing a prime theme, food, and many other details, we try to make prom feel as special as possible,” Kelley said. While the administration oversees the planning, the executive council brings the spirit. “We want everyone to have a good time,” he added.
Senior Sal D’Aquino shared a different perspective. “I’m looking forward to the after-party. It’s gonna be great, but sad too,” he said. “This and graduation are the last times I’m seeing some people.” For many, prom is more than just a celebration. “It’s symbolic,” D’Aquino said. “We’ve had plenty of dances, but this is it.”
Finally, on June 3, students will gather once again to return as one. Seniors will practice graduation at North Middle School at 11:30 a.m. before heading back to their elementary schools. The walk through their former halls, now filled with younger students, gives them another reminder of how far they’ve come. “It’s just trying to make the most of these last few weeks,” said D’Aquino. “And do as little work as possible.”
The Class of 2025 will officially say goodbye on June 4, when graduation takes place back on Helman Field. The parking lot opens at 4:30 p.m. for families and friends. In one last gesture, students will drive to their elementary schools and be bused to the high school, reflecting the rides they took as children. Rain dates are scheduled for June 5 and 6, but the emotion of this huge day will shine through any weather present. “Sadness for leaving,” Kelley said. “But also happiness for moving onto the next chapter.” These final weeks are a mix of joy, nostalgia, and everything in between. For students like Kelley, being involved in planning adds extra meaning. “It allows me to feel more involved,” he said. “It’s making for a better senior year.”
As the Class of 2025 takes these final steps together, each event becomes more than just a goodbye, it becomes a moment to hold onto, a ride they’ll never forget.
