by Julie Snyder

The sky fades from a dark blue to a hazy pink. Blankets and coffee cups dot the field. Seniors huddle together for photos, wrapped in sweatshirts and eating bagels. The sun peeks over the horizon, marking the start of their final year at WHS.

In the early hours of Oct. 2, the Class of 2025 gathered at Gary Kehler Stadium to commemorate the beginning of the end of their high school years. The Senior Sunrise event has become a tradition, marking this as the second year it has occurred.

“We’ve really been trying to build [the event] up and I think we did a good job with that because there were definitely a lot more people this year than there were last year,” said SGA Vice President James Furrer.

Teachers and other administrators also came out in support of the students, helping to bring in bagels courtesy of Bagel Cafe NJ in Fanwood and share in the excitement.

“I think the event was a really nice way for everyone to start the year together, just like how a sunrise starts a new day,” said senior Ella Giacalone.

For many students, it wasn’t just about watching the sun rise. It was a chance to look back on how far they have come and think about what’s next. Senior Sienna Schael said, “It’s one of our last celebrations for the beginning of the year before we start with college applications and graduation.”

For many, the looming pressure of college and the uncertainty of the future have made moments like Senior Sunrise all the more meaningful. “It’s wild to think that a year from now, we’ll all be off in different places. But right now, it still feels like we’ve got some time,” said senior Ruby Moscowitz.

As the half-asleep Class of 2025 wandered off to their classes with coffee cups and half-eaten bagels in hand, they knew that this sunrise wasn’t just the start of any other day — it marked the beginning of the last chapter of their high school story.

With Senior Sunrise behind us, let the countdown to graduation begin.