As the final school year for the class of 2026 commenced, senior class representatives Christine Mason, Jenny Lee, and Chloe Cho curated the first-ever Senior Sunrise on Thursday, October 2nd, at 6 a.m. The veteran students met to watch the break of dawn on the futsal field, accompanied by a snack spread, games and a few teachers and administrators.
Senior classes in the U.S. organize such events, and the reps took inspiration from social media. “Senior Sunrise is a big metaphor of the seniors starting their last year together. It is a bonding moment that celebrates the start of our senior year,” senior Chloe Cho said.
During the event, the class of 2026 watched the sunrise and commemorated the start of their final year of high school together. “It’ll be mirrored with a senior sunset after graduation or the day before graduation,” secondary principal Dr. Willette said.
Elementary teacher Mrs. Ringrose, who taught the students back in kindergarten, and Cho’s mother provided treats that students could enjoy as they awaited the sunrise on the futsal field. “We met together in front of the soccer field and watched the sunrise with donuts, fruits, and snacks,” senior Amy Shim said.
The pastries were custom-designed and ordered specifically for this special event. “We had a donut package with all the letters in senior sunrise class of 2026, and we distributed one to each individual,” senior Vivian Lee said.
The students showed appreciation for this unique new tradition. “There were some kids who haven’t had that many interactions with others. I liked how we could share snacks in the morning all together,” Lee said.
The fun and games solidified the seniors’ strong connections as their final year together commenced. “My favorite part was playing Truth or Dare. It helped the seniors bond with each other and create a more friendly community,” Shim said.
As the first event for what could potentially become an annual tradition, Lee provided insight into next year. “We can choose another location to look at the sunrise. We couldn’t actually see the sunrise,” Lee said.
Shim questioned the calendar as further feedback for future planners. “Maybe [they could] choose a better date because senior sunrise is supposed to be at the beginning of the year,” Shim said.
Dr. Willette looks forward to a successful final year for the class of 2026. “I want the students to be grateful for each other’s friendship and support over the past however many years they’ve been at DIS, their entire learning journey, and walk away with a newfound respect for each other and closer bonds together,” said Dr. Willette.
