Once the bell rang at 10:25 in the morning, the class of 2025 seniors made their way to a common spot on the Charter campus— the fountain. Known as a “charter classic,” the annual senior shirt throwing would be taking place to honor the newest graduate class and celebrate their last day as Pines Charter jaguars.
This beloved Charter tradition began 22 years ago when the class of 2003 threw their shirts up in the air in friendly rebellion against the uniform they were required to wear throughout their time in Charter. This rooted back to the fact that the Class of 2003 was the first graduating class at PPCHS and so they all attended a different high school during their freshman year.
Meaning joining the Pines Charter family meant these students had to wear uniforms unlike the other high schools they previously attended. This gave life to the senior prank of Class of 2003 where seniors took off their uniform shirts and threw them into the tree directly to the northwest of the fountain. Since this day, this tradition has become a symbolic event that Charter students look forward to participating in on their last day as PPCHS students.
As over 400 seniors gathered around the fountain, the class of 2026 officers each held a countdown from 10 and rose it high. Finally, number one was held by class of 2025 sponsor Mrs. Altimore who ended the countdown and officially commenced the tradition.
As hundreds of students rushed to take their shirts off, they dipped them in water, and threw them in the lucky trees surrounding the area. Embraces were shared, shaving cream was sprayed, and cameras recorded the moments they knew they would look back on fondly.
“It was bittersweet,” shares senior Ty Bell. “I couldn’t help but look around and be sad, hugging all the friends I’ve made both senior and junior and realize this is my last time ever being on this campus as a student.” Carefully cherishing the last moments they would have on campus as PPCHS students.
“It felt very surreal. Being among all my classmates to follow one of the longest traditions at the school made me very emotional because it feels like all our hard work finally paid off,” wholeheartedly shares senior class president Ava Mendez.
As class of 2025 was escorted out of campus by the PPCHS Drumline, cheers vibrated throughout reaching all the way to the student parking. Partaking in this symbolic tradition, the class of 2025 has now officially become alumni and prepare to take all they have learned at Charter for the real world. Each leaving their high school career feeling empowered for the possibilities of tomorrow.
