“The Beginning of the End” is the harsh reality that seniors are facing as their final school year approaches. Every moment suddenly becomes more meaningful for those nearing their senior year. From the last first day of school, to the last prom, “lasts” become some of the most memorable moments. One of the hardest goodbyes for many is that of the sport or extracurriculars that they had been participating in throughout their high school years. Whether they’ve done it all four years, or this being their first year, they are provided a community that extends much farther than a game, competition, or meet. It is difficult to leave behind, but important to reminisce on.
Senior Isaac Perez has been cheering since the seventh grade. “I like the game day aspect the most, getting to perform and show our skills is really exciting,” Perez shared. Being one of the most experienced cheerleaders on the team, Perez has a special bond to the team. “When I graduate, it will be the hardest to leave my teammates. I’ve been cheering with some of the same people since the beginning,” said Perez. With her final season approaching, Perez says that she hopes to have extra fun moments with her team to make her last season special, stating, “I want to leave the legacy of someone who was always cheering and is fun to be around.” Looking forward, Perez will not be a cheerleader for a college, but will be trying out to be a Universal Cheer Association staff member in the spring, where she would be leading summer cheer camps all over America.
On the other hand, this is Senior Millie Gidaszewski’s first season of Cross Country on the high school level. So far, the highlight of her season has been competing in races with her team. As for her goals, Gidaszewski shared, “I want to be able to push myself and become faster.” With this being her first season, as well as her last, Gidaszewski hopes to leave a legacy that proves that “It is never too late to start,” she explains.
With seasons beginning, and high school years wrapping up, one of the most special parts of senior year is the last sports season. No matter how long they’ve done it, leaving behind something so sacred can be hard, but it means that seniors are trying even more to make it a memorable year.
