To most, the first day of school is an annual event– nothing to make a fuss over. But for the seniors, September 1 marked something more than just the first day of school. It marked the beginning of the end.

Hilts joined the tennis team this year, and she is finding it enjoyable. “It’s sad to know that this is my first, last and only year of tennis.”

Once the first day of practice was tackled, the seniors then had to face the first day of school.

“I thought I would be a lot more stressed over it [the first day],” said senior Leah Pennekamp, “but I was actually very calm and relaxed about the whole thing.”

The first day of school passed and the seniors are starting to get used to the fact that they are seniors.

“Thinking of my class as seniors is surreal and sobering,” said senior Desireé
Shawley.

Being a senior means superiority. They are the oldest and have the most experience of the school. They rule the school, as they would say.

“I am definitely looking forward to my last year,” said Cork.

Something that many seniors are looking forward to is freedom. As they transition from getting a license, to becoming an adult, they begin to experience the freedom they have wanted since childhood.

“I’m pretty excited to leave the nest and be a free bird,” said Hilts. Hilts wants to attend a tech college in La Crosse or Eau Claire to get her general credits, then later transfer to a university and pursue a career in health.

Though senior year is exciting, new and greatly looked forward to, it also requires huge responsibilities. Seniors are busy filling out applications for colleges and scholarships, and they are meeting with the counselors to further map out their futures.

“I’m excited to move out, go to college and start the rest of my life,” said  Pennekamp.“But at the same time, I’m not [ready to leave the school and graduate]. It’s scary to think about leaving my friends and family.”

Some seniors don’t have their futures mapped out as well as they hoped. They have all year to make concrete plans. Cork is not 100% sure where she wants to go to college in her future; she is still looking into different options. Right now, Cork plans to live her last year to the fullest.

“I just want this year to be awesome.”