Many seniors expressed their disappointment in starting their senior year online, as they would be missing out on the true last year of their high school experience. With Covid-19 still ongoing, it is unsure whether this year’s seniors will return to their school campuses and whether special events like prom and graduation will happen. In order to pleasantly start off their final year, several graduating Northwood High students decided to continue the school’s long-lasting tradition by planning a Senior Sunrise at Meadowood Park, a small park located right in front of our high school.
Senior Sunrise is an event that many high schools host for fun and create lasting memories. It is an annual tradition where seniors gather at school early in the morning to see the sunrise together, typically on their first day of school during their senior year. Many students like to bring blankets and snacks and enjoy the time of bonding with their friends.
Sadly, not many seniors showed up at Meadowood Park–only 30 to 40 people. It was later revealed that several friend groups preferred going to a different location for safety concerns. Some even woke up extra early to go all the way to Laguna Beach, located around 30 minutes from the school’s location, for an even nicer view of the sunrise.
By 6:00 a.m., those who decided to come to the Senior Sunrise event arrived, and each group of people sat far apart from each other to maintain safety regulations. When the sun rose, around 6:15 a.m., it was time to take pictures. People posed with their friends in front of the sunrise to capture the moment forever.
Looking around, I spotted one senior who brought out her speaker and blasted some music. We all laughed as one of my friends brought out his Nintendo Switch out of his bag to play Mario Kart, as that was very unexpected. By 7:30 a.m., the park was almost empty as everyone left to grab a bite to eat or take a nap before the first day of school, which started at 9 a.m.When asked their thoughts on this event, Ashlyn Hoang stated that she was “a bit worried about going to this gathering during the pandemic, but happy that she was able to use this opportunity to see her friends for the first time in a while.” Another senior, Alice Park, replied that “although not many people showed up compared to previous years, it was still a good way to make memories and mark the beginning of senior year.”
Hopefully, Covid-19 will be over soon so that seniors can feel safe during these special once in a lifetime events, and end their year on a strong note!
