As the Class of 2026 prepares to take on their final year at Selma High School, they gather to take part in the long standing tradition known as Senior Sunrise.
Taking place on August 21 in front of the snack bar in Stanley Stadium, the senior class banded together to watch the rays of the early morning sun enlight their paths through the last years of their childhood.
Leading in continuing this tradition were the senior class advisors, Ms. Loving and Ms. Luviano, along with the ASB leadership team advised by Ms. Garcia. To prepare for this tradition the ASB staff worked extensively prior to the event to create posters, photo props, and a backdrop for pictures. Ms. Loving and Ms. Luviano provided the free donuts and Yoohoo drinks for the seniors to enjoy.
On the morning of senior sunrise, the class of 2027 ASB leadership staff arrived at 5:30AM at campus to help set up for the event, giving the class of 2026 ASB staff a chance to stay home and get ready for their special moment. This event is held once every school year for each Class group, making sure all are able to enjoy this milestone is key.
“It is the first event of the year that is exclusive to seniors,” informed Mr. Lane, principal at Selma High. “It builds [a] special unity in the group, making it irreplaceable.”
The weather was cool and peaceful as students began to arrive at 6:00AM. Many brought blankets, snacks, and their phones to capture this special moment. Some of the students decorated their jeans with sayings such as ‘Class of 2026′ or ‘Senior 2026.’ These jeans are called “spirit jeans.” Others wore their coziest clothes or their pajama pants. Despite what they wore, the seniors sat together and prepared to watch the sunrise.
“Some of my favorite events are sunrise and sunset because it is an opportunity for our seniors to just—even though they are the oldest ones on campus—to come and be kids,” expressed Ms. Garcia.
As the sunrise began to present itself, laughter and smiles filled the stadium. Students took out their phones to commemorate this heartwarming event that was heartwarming for many. They captured pictures of the sunset and with the ones they shared the experience with. Yet, there was a realization that hit many while watching the sunrise.
“It wasn’t how I expected it to be, I thought it would be less emotional,” said Jacqueline Gutierrez Roman. “But watching the sunrise, just reminded me that it was my last year of childhood. ‘Dang I am a senior now.’”
Senior Sunrise was not just a reminder to the students that they’re seniors, but that their childhood is slowly coming to an end. These memories are stepping stones of their final year as a Selma High Bear. Memories with teachers, friends, and shared stress over tests will one day soon be nostalgia of all that walk the halls of Selma High School.
“We hung out and talked while enjoying the sunrise. Hanging out with my friend at sunrise was different. Like we are almost adults,” recounts Harnoor Gill.
Many feeling this bittersweet moment took it as a reason to cherish this year like none other. With eight months until graduation, the class of 2026 prepares to create a memorable and heartfelt end to this chapter.
It’s the dawn of the end for the class of 2026.
