In one week, Rogers High School seniors will walk across the stage and receive their diplomas after years of hard work.
As graduation nears, now is the time for seniors to relax and reflect on the past four years. Seniors have spent approximately 712 days in high school. During this time, many have grown both inside and outside of the classroom, and are now looking towards the future. Many have focused on their options going forward: some are heading straight for college while others are considering the military or taking a gap year to figure out their future.
“The two main ideas that I’ve planned for myself after graduation is to hopefully take a half semester at NWACC studying musical theatre, then transfer over to UCA for the next semester/year. If I don’t go to college, I would work for a while while auditioning for more community theatre work to keep a consistent schedule,” said Daniel Villa, 12.
Alumni have said that high school ‘went by fast’ and freshman year ‘felt like it was yesterday,’ while rarely mentioning what they would have told their younger selves if given the chance.
“If I could only tell freshman Sofia one thing, it would be that you are supposed to be loved in your being, not in your performance. Being happy with who you are will reward you in the best ways possible,” said Sofia Abarca, 12.
Many seniors have spent the year focused on preparing for life after graduation, leaving them little time to fully enjoy their last year of high school.
“It’s important to prepare for the future, but it’s just as important not to waste the opportunities for fun right in front of you,” said Cheyenne Racine, 12.
Even now, with graduation officially a week away, seniors are left with unmet tasks. Between senior walks and graduation practice, it seems that the list will never end. Soon, high school will officially be over for the class of 2026. With college and the future looming ahead, it’s important not to take a moment for granted.
“Don’t think you’re ever going to fall behind. I think we fail to realize that we have so much time on our hands. Just have fun in your life, because you can’t take everything too seriously. Value everything that comes to you,” said Abarca.
