As senior year comes to a close, students are beginning to face the excitement, uncertainty, and change that comes with leaving high school behind.

Senior graduates Elsie Ryan, Romy Olson and Jolee Brazda may have different plans for the future, but they share many of the same emotions about finishing high school. 

“I am so excited to be done with high school,” Olson said. “But I’m also sad because I am going to miss my friends.”

Despite being ready to graduate, Olson shares that some of her favorite memories came from the experiences and friendships she built during high school.

“My favorite thing was definitely getting ready for school dances, seeing my friends everyday, and high school soccer,” Olson said. 

For athletes, sports are commonly a major highlight of students’ high school careers. The memories that come from playing with your closest friends are never forgotten. 

“I will always remember making it to state volleyball my sophomore year,” Ryan said. 

That season, the Monarchs advanced all the way to the state championship, beating their rivals Papillion La-Vista South in the first round. 

In the fall, Ryan plans to attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she will study biology on a pre-health track and hopes to join a sorority. 

Meanwhile, some students have plans to continue on with their athletic journey. Romy Olson is set to play soccer at Winona State University. 

Although graduation brings major changes that can feel intimidating, it also creates opportunities for new experiences and growth. 

“I am really excited to start this new chapter and be away from home,“ Olson said. “It’s a big change that I am ready for, and I am excited to meet new people and try new things.”

While many seniors are already looking forward to the future, others are also ready to leave certain parts behind forever. 

“The things I won’t miss about high school are all of the drama, the long days, and getting up early,” Brazda said. 

These newly graduated students prepare to move on from the routines and memories that shaped their high school years. While leaving high school can bring a mix of emotions, students like Ryan, Olson, and Brazda are learning to embrace both the challenges and opportunities that come with starting a new chapter of their lives.