Senior have plenty to look forward to

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Dani Cross

Class of 2018 graduates Sophia Downs (left) and Emma Jackson (right) after their graduation ceremony at Grossinger motors arena

Justin "Cech" Ridinger, Staff Reporter

With April being well underway and May just on the horizon it is difficult for the Seniors not to be all but done with high school. However, there are a few exciting events before they walk across the stage on May 25th.

Senior Signing Day (May first): Senior signing day will be during the lunch hours with a small reception in the atrium. This will include activities, cookies, and punch. Seniors are encouraged to show pride in their choice by wearing spirit wear of their future.

Senior awards (May 6th): An invite-only event hosted in West’s auditorium, this senior event is the only one not open to the class of 2019.

Prom (May 11th): The only one on this list that is open to all upperclassmen not just Seniors. Prom has become a staple for most American high schools, and is being held just two weeks before graduation.

Senior picnic (May 16th): This West tradition will be at Comlara Park near Lake Evergreen. This is a day completely unstructured and solely in seniors control, giving them a day to cookout and hang out as a class one last time before graduation. Seniors are encouraged to bring coolers full food that they will be able to cook on the park grills. There are also hiking trails at the park and areas to play catch or other games. Even though the picnic will be on the lake, swimming is not allowed.

Senior luncheon (May 17th): Thanks to fundraising efforts, this year’s luncheon will be free for all seniors. During the lunch, there will be mock awards voted on by the senior class and special guest speakers. The luncheon will also be the premier of the 2019 class video.

Senior assembly (May 17th): The same day as the luncheon the senior assembly is the practice graduation and give Normal West a chance to support the graduating class and their collective achievement in making it to the end of high school.

Commencement Ceremony (May 25th): The final step of a high schooler’s journey. The walk across the stage, shaking their respective principals hand, and receiving their diploma, officially signifying their end of high school. It is an achievement signaling the entrance into adulthood. “This could be the last time friends hang out all together, kids live with their parents, or they are required to do anything with formal schooling,” said class of 2018 graduate Nick Modine. Sophia Downs, also in the class of 2018, added, “This is the crowning achievement of our young lives and everything from that point on takes on a whole new meaning.”