The beginning of the end: Senior Sunrise. Taking place on the cool morning of September 15, 2023, it marked the beginning of our senior year at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. The goal of this memorable event was to unite the senior class on what we all anticipated would be a lovely morning. Senior Sunrise is something that the class of 2023 first came up with and implemented successfully, and we were excited to continue it this year. It felt right to carry on a tradition that began just a year ago as we face the fact that this is our final year in these halls, in these classes, in these cafeterias at Hunterdon Central. Taking part in this tradition allowed us to bond with one another, spend quality time with others, and make long-lasting memories. We hope that Senior Sunrise is a tradition that future classes will continue.
This year’s Senior Sunrise was quite the event; between 125 and 150 members of the Class of 2024 gathered on Stewart Field in anticipation of witnessing the sunrise. As we bundled up under blankets, enjoyed breakfast, and enjoyed the beauty of the morning, the togetherness and friendship among us were evident. We journeyed down memory lane, telling stories from our earlier years in high school as laughter filled the field. These stories included everything from our first-year worries and uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to the accomplishments and challenges we’ve encountered thus far. Each narrative served as a moving reminder of how far we’ve come and the significant development we’ve undergone as people and as a unified class. Our class, which was already well into the swing of our senior year, paused to recognize the passing of time, and the importance of our shared experiences was genuinely excellent.
We left Stewart Field that morning with renewed purpose and anticipation for our senior year of high school. The event demonstrated that despite this being our last year, it was a new year nonetheless. We were motivated by Senior Sunrise, which reminded us of the magnificent journey ahead. It was a powerful indication of the many thrilling events yet to come, a prelude to the grand finale of our high school careers.
There is still information to be fascinated by in our courses, teachers to get to know, peers to meet, and activities to be involved in. Among others, we are excited for Homecoming week, where we will represent our class with pride at the homecoming football game and have some fun at the subsequent dance, the senior clothing drive, which will have a significant influence on our community, our exciting trip to Dorney Park on October 13, and the spectacular Prom night on June 7, 2024. We can continue the tradition of Water Wars come springtime. Then, as the academic year ends, we await the bittersweet Senior Sunset. This event will mark the end of our high school career and be a farewell to the setting that has served as our second home for the last four years. Yet, like how we bonded at Senior Sunrise, Senior Sunset will remind us of the connections we made during high school. Senior Sunset will provide us with hope and excitement as we head into college, work, the military, and more, as we pave our paths in this world, keeping in mind everything we learned in high school.
Overall, Senior Sunrise captures the enthusiasm and drive of the Class of 2024 and the beginning of our senior year. It serves as a reminder that, as we begin this final year of high school, we are unified, positive, and prepared to enjoy every second while cherishing the connections and experiences that will last long after we throw our caps in the air in June 2024.