In August, the class of 2026 gathered to watch the sunrise, full of anticipation for what the last year of high school would bring. Months later, they’re about to sit together and watch the sun set, trading that uncertainty for reflection on their time at Mount Pisgah.
Senior Sunrise and Senior Sunset are two mirroring traditions for seniors that signify the beginning and end of the school year. As a result, each student’s perspective shifts during senior year.
“I remember feeling like I had so much time to be a senior and how this year was going to be so much fun. I couldn’t wait to start, but I also knew that I was starting the end of a chapter,” explained senior Phoebe Koch when asked about her outlook on Senior Sunrise.
Now, approaching Senior Sunset, Koch feels as if the year has flown by, bringing changes in priorities and perspective.
“I’m getting excited about different things now, like college and dorm room decorations rather than Homecoming and Friday Night Lights. I’m genuinely sad to leave somewhere I’ve never left before, but it is a great feeling to know I had this place,” said Koch.
While stepping closer to their final days of school, students in the class of 2026 can’t help but look back with a nostalgic eye on everything their time at Mount Pisgah has brought them.
Senior Clara Rogers has learned a lot about herself, particularly through the college application process and the emotions of wrapping up this chapter of her life.
“The biggest thing that has changed since the start of senior year is my trust in the Lord. Throughout this year, I have found myself in so many periods of waiting and preparation. The hardest part about the waiting is accepting that you have no control, and you have to just let God take His course,” she explained.
As she approaches Senior Sunset, Rogers can only be grateful for how senior year has revealed her strengths.
“So many nights, I was at the dance studio for hours, only to come home to more hours of homework and multiple assessments. Despite the constant work thrown at me, I surprised myself with how well I managed to keep up, even when I thought it was impossible,” she expressed.
Alongside internal growth, senior year helped relationships and friendships blossom in a new light.
“When junior year ended and our summer began, our grade formed a new bond together,” explained Senior Grayson Barrett. “I feel like we have all come to the realization that this year is filled with many ‘lasts’ that we have taken for granted every other year. It has made us cherish every moment together.”
With the chaos and business of senior year coming to an end soon, Barrett also expressed how much of a full-circle moment Senior Sunset is and how peaceful a time it is for the grade.
“We started off with a senior sunrise at the beginning of the year, and ending with a senior sunset feels full circle. I also love how it’s a time for us as a class to take a break from the chaos of senior year and simply spend time together,” she said.
From Sunrise to Sunset, the class of 2026 has grown not only in independence and maturity, but also in appreciation for their friendships, their faith, and the place they now recognize as home.
