This past Monday, the senior class embarked on the last first day that they will ever have at Rocky Mount Academy.  For some this was a sad time and for others it was a time of joy as they look to all of the exciting things that senior year has to offer.  These enjoyable experiences include our final powderpuff football game and the all-male cheer squad; decorating and participating in the haunted house at the Fall Festival; the senior class trip to New York in February; and, last but not least, graduation. Many of the seniors have awaited these timeless traditions and it is now their turn to participate. While senior year is a time loved by many, it is also a stressful year with AP classes, the SAT, college applications, essays, and acceptances on the line. However, all of the hard work will pay off in the end when graduation comes this May and we begin to head off to college. Senior Sabrina Morrison said that she was “ready for graduation and to get accepted to college,” which is most likely one of the things that seniors look forward to the most, as it is a new beginning.

Even though school officially started on Monday morning, the senior class began their last year of high school the night before with senior night. This is a beloved tradition that many Rocky Mount Academy senior classes have participated in in years past. Hunter Cuthrell describes the night as “oodles of noodles of fun.” Many other students would have to agree as there was t-shirt making, food, and a bonfire. “A true bonding experience,” said senior Ashley Bissette who also claimed that “we were able to learn a lot about each other.” Special thanks go to Senior Austin Williams and his family for hosting the senior class for this night. They were able to make the night possible which so many of the students are thankful for. It was a great night with fun had by all and a great start to the year ahead.

Luckily, after the night was over the seniors were able to come to school and were honored with a breakfast hosted by their fifth grade buddies and their parents. They did an absolute wonderful job with the breakfast, which was complete with muffins, doughnuts, chicken minis, and coffee. It was a great chance for the class to spend even more time together. Trevor Graham thought “it was really nice to see support from the parents.”  Both of these events started what will be a great year for the senior class, which will definitely be a year for them to remember, enjoy, and bond over before they say their goodbyes and head off to new chapters in life.