The new year marks the beginning of the graduation year for the Class of 2026. As seniors enter their last semester of high school, they reflect on their experiences from the past four years.

“I feel ready to graduate high school,” Reddy said. “I’m not too worried because I know I’ve already left my mark.”

As graduation approaches, Reddy is grateful for her experiences throughout high school and senior year.

“[The best part] was the friends I made along the way, especially since I [moved here] in 11th grade,” Reddy said. “I’ve made many good friendships and I’m glad [I’ve made] new memories.”

Though some are ready for their next chapter, senior Dheeraj Missula has mixed feelings about graduating.

“[It’s] bittersweet because I’m glad I can move onto other things,” Missula said, “[But] at the same time, I have friends [who are] underclassmen and I might lose contact with them.”

Missula is part of theatre, and he will not be continuing it after graduating high school.

“I hate leaving it behind,” Missula said. “I don’t want to [leave] because of [the] friends [I’ve made], and theatre is [a way] to build community.”

Senior Anvitha Nagathan is on the varsity golf team, and she feels a similar way to Missula. She has offers to continue golf in college, but is currently unsure whether she will accept them or not.

“It’s pretty sad to leave them, because [we’re] a close team and there’s not that many of us,” Nagathan said. “[I’ll] miss going to competitions with them.”

Along with leaving theatre behind, Missula also has concerns about the transition from high school to college.

“I’m worried about the rigor of college because there [are] no retests,” Missula said. “If I submit something late, I’m cooked.”

Missula has enjoyed the roles and responsibilities that come with being a senior.

“[I] like the ability to influence the underclassmen,” Missula said. “I like making an impact on people’s lives and being a role model is awesome.”