As winter comes to a close and spring draws near, seniors are beginning their final months as FCPS students. With college decisions and graduation looming in the forefront of their minds, an internal clock starts to count down their last semester of high school. Although the stress of senior year can be extremely difficult to manage, students have a variety of traditions that ease some of the pressure and make the year just a little more memorable.
Senior Sunrise: As the early morning sun peeks its head through the clouds, seniors crowd on the football field before the first day of school. Pictures are taken, cute outfits are worn and yawns decorate the faces of the students while gathering together to celebrate the beginning of the end. Senior sunrise isn’t only a perfect photo-op for seniors; it’s a way to greet their last year of high school with enthusiasm and community.
Sports Senior Nights: For many students, playing on a school sports team can be a unifying experience; these teams are often more involved than many club sports, and many students spend five or six days a week with their teammates. Senior nights were created as a way to recognize the accomplishments of seniors and recognize their contribution to their team, whether they’ve been on it for four years or one. Usually, these special nights include seniors walking out with their families while their various accolades are announced over a loud speaker. Fellow teammates help make the night special by decorating senior’s cars, buying them goodies and dedicating the game to celebrating their hard work.
Senior Assassin: To usher out their time at Madison, many seniors participate in a school-wide game of “Senior Assassin”. The rules are simple: each player is covertly given a target, who they must spray with water in order to get them out of the game. No player is supposed to know who another player’s target is, making secrecy the key to winning the game. Senior Assassin is an exciting way to say goodbye to students’ time in grade school; the surprises and betrayals keep players guessing until the very end.
All Night Grad: Finally, the night of graduation has arrived. After ambling across the stage and finally receiving their diploma, it’s time for seniors to sit back and relax. All Night Grad is exactly what it sounds like – a multi-hour celebration complete with raffle tickets, casino games and delicious food. Starting at 10:00 p.m. on the night of graduation and ending around 4 a.m., it’s the perfect way to end the school year.
