May 27 was filled with a mixture of emotions for the Class of 2026 as it marked their official start to senior year. On this day, students all around campus were able to display their personalized crowns and senior shirts. From stickers to flowers, each crown was a reflection of the students and what they enjoy most.
At 1:40 p.m., the rising seniors gathered on the steps of the River of Grass auditorium, where they were announced as upperclassmen. The moment brought plenty of hugs, pictures, games of spike ball, as well as the signing of the senior banner.
With their senior season only just getting started, here is what some Jaguars are looking forward to:
“Honestly, I’m looking forward to every event and occasion next year as each one carries its own special weight and memory, and I really want to live in the moment and enjoy it all. But if I had to choose one, it would definitely be prom. I know it sounds cliché, but we’ve worked incredibly hard these past two years, especially this year to make next year unforgettable. We’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars and accomplished things our school hasn’t seen since before COVID. We’re on track to do even more next year, and the growth from last year has been incredible. It feels like everything we’ve worked for is finally coming together, and I can’t wait to see it all happen.” – Emmanuel Baptiste, Class of 2026 President
“I’m most looking forward to senior sunrise because it will be our first big event as seniors. We get to paint our parking spots as well and it’s a fun experience with friends. Along with that, since middle school I’ve been excited for the shirt throwing. It marks our last time in uniform and it’s a sweet last moment together.” – Ashlyn Shalet, junior
“I plan on getting a better school work routine that’ll help me balance mental health and work efficiency. The late nights were not doing it for me considering how early I got up for school. So, I plan on staying more on top of my work and hopefully ahead.” – Gianmarco Aca, junior
“I am excited to have senior privilege next year because it’s like a reward for making it to senior year. Being allowed to come to school after homeroom might not seem like much, but the extra time in the morning makes a big difference. It’s one of those little things that makes being a senior feel special.” – Asiya Mohammed, junior
“I am ready for the change and extremely excited to be a senior. I’m definitely a little terrified to know that in exactly a year from now I’ll be Pines Charter Alumni but I’ve definitely earned this and am excited to see what my future holds. I think what I’ll miss the most this past year is my classes because Junior year was absolutely terrible but the people and friends I’ve made along the way in each class made it 100% more tolerable.” – Adriana Caldswell, junior
“I’m looking forward to all the events like Grad Bash and prom because they’re classic senior year milestones. They really bring everyone closer and make our final year feel more memorable before we all go our separate ways.” – Faith Biju, junior
“I want to make everyone feel seen and cared for whether it’s by becoming friends with them or even if it’s only talking to them for 5 minutes. I want my senior year to be special not only to me but everyone else around me.” – Sjahnaz Buth, junior
