Members of Summit’s senior class congregated on the football field Friday morning to watch the sun rise on their final year of high school. Attendees took photos with friends, ate donuts provided by the Student Council and huddled together in an attempt to stay warm in the brisk pre-dawn air.

The event, which began at 5:45 a.m. and was subject to a last-minute location change, nonetheless garnered a strong turnout.

“I came to school at 5:25 and there were already multiple cars [and] people already there which made me really happy,” said Student Body President Gemma Moussa.

Events such as Senior Sunrise are mainstays of the high school experience, and Moussa credits them with building school spirit, something particularly important for the senior class.

“It’s really important for seniors to get involved with events and spirit because we are the ‘role models’ of the school,” Moussa explained. “We set the example for every other grade and the goal is to set a high expectation for spirit.”

Additionally, many students value the lasting memories created by senior traditions. From Senior Sunrise to prom, senior spirit week and graduation, these longstanding practices provide graduating students with opportunities to connect with their peers before turning the page to the next chapter of their lives.

“I’m trying to make a point of doing more school events this year because this is my last year here,” said Summit senior Ellie Safford. “It creates senses of community and bonding experiences.”

Throughout the year, students should expect a variety of senior-centric events, including Senior Sunset, a class barbecue and pre-graduation spirit days, as well as sporting events, Homecoming and Prom. Additionally, Moussa urges students with new and unique event ideas to reach out, either in person or through the Thundercloud Instagram account.

“We would love to try and make those ideas happen,” she emphasized.