The class of 2024. Gathering two hours before the bell, seniors reunited with friends on Gay Field, Monday, Aug. 21, starting the last first day. The heat index reached 117 degrees, and the sky was obscured by fog. Senior Bora Saner said. “I am both so excited and nervous about leaving school. I am sad about parting ways with my friends.”

Looking towards the future. Seniors reunite on picnic blankets across the football field. Senior Ayla Lutzeler is looking forward to second semester. “It seems like it’ll be more relaxing, and I’ll be able to enjoy the end of my time at school with my fellow seniors,” Lutzeler said.

Peace! Seniors share peace signs to celebrate the sunrise. The seniors shared words of wisdom with the incoming freshmen. “Don’t be afraid of upperclassmen.! Reach out to us; we don’t bite,” senior Rachel Chung said.

White out. Seniors dressed in the traditional white for the sunrise capture their last first day. Armed with blankets, chairs and sports equipment, the students spread out across the football field. Each chose to spend their last hours of summer differently. “It was nice to see everyone, but the sun did not rise, so hopefully, next year, seniors get a better sunrise,” senior Zorah Halloul said.

Reunited! Seniors Hannah Zaidman and Bora Saner watch the sunrise. Students caught up with those they had not seen in months.“Some things I’m excited for during senior year are being able to be at the front of football games, senior prom and graduation,” Zaidman said. “I’m nervous about applying for college and figuring out where I want to go.”

Ringing in the new year. Seniors toss around a football as the sun rises. Even though the sunrise was not particularly visible, students continued the tradition. At the end of their high school careers, the students will gather again to watch the sunset on that era of their lives.“It’s better to ask early on instead of going through the entire unit being confused then cramming the night before a test,” senior Chloe Lin, said.

Friends Forever. Senior Casey Piston poses with friends at the end of the sunrise. Photos, reuniting with friends and throwing around a football filled the time. “My biggest tip for incoming freshmen would be to actually raise your hand in class – it helps you, your classmates and your teacher,” senior Casey Piston said,“Additionally, go to all major school events. You can always leave if you aren’t having fun, but more often than not, people find something to enjoy.”

A sinking feeling. Seniors smile to capture the moments watching the not-so-sunrise. Senior Madeline Hellwig found the sunrise to be a sentimental event. “I don’t think it has fully sunk in that I’m a senior yet so that everything is going to change so much within the next few months. It doesn’t feel real,” Hellwig said.