On the morning of September 2, 2025, the class of 2026 gathered around the Jack Casagrande field at Brien McMahon High School at 5:30 in the morning for the start of our many traditions that senior year has in store for us. To watch the sun rise on our final year of high school.
The field had been filled with a bunch of sleepy seniors wrapped in their hoodies and blankets. Some students had on their own custom clothing, saying, “Senior Year” or “2026.” It was one of the calmest and most beautiful experiences that we’ve had throughout our high school years.
Girls and boys took pictures on digital cameras with signs that students made as the sun rose over the field. We reflected on how these were the same kids that we walked into high school with— once strangers to each other–and in a couple of months, we will be walking out of here in June as high school graduates together.
The BMHS Senior Class student council organized the event for their classmates to start off the year. Donut Delight and Liz Sue sponsored the event. Some of our seniors even went to Donut Delight after the sun had risen.
Student Sebastian Ponce said, “The tables were packed with my classmates, and in the parking lot, students were playing music out of their cars and socializing.”
Our student council team had taken a lot of time and heartwarming intentions to make this possible for us.
For some seniors, they saw the sunrise as a deeper meaning.
Julianna Villanueva, a 2026 senior, said, “A peaceful bonding moment for all the seniors.”
“A memorable moment hanging out with my friends and enjoying the beautiful view,” said Leeah Bustamanate.
Our class president, Anthony Luna, shared: “A great way to celebrate the end of our first week and the start of an amazing year. We have so many fun things coming up and can’t wait to see where this year goes.”
“One thing I’ll miss about high school is being able to connect with my friends I’ve known my whole life,” stated Liam Luyanda.
Senior Ana Lopez added, “One thing I would tell underclassmen is to stay focused on their goals and not let any distractions come up.”
In June of 2026, we will all be going our separate ways to start our first steps of life and become young adults. We appreciate our student council for bringing our class together to enjoy the little things in our lives. The senior sunrise wasn’t just a goodbye for our last first week of high school, but it was a chance to reflect on how we overcame everything we’ve been through and the future that lies ahead of us. We all look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us, but the class of 2026 will definitely be one to remember.
