Aug. 22 marked the last first day of school for the class of 2023.

For many students, their first day of senior year went relatively well.

“My first day was wonderful because I got to see many of my friends that I hadn’t seen over the summer, and I found that my classes were relatively close to each other,” senior Sara Simms said.

Senior Julian Bocanegra said, “My first day was kind of surreal in a way. I just remember thinking to myself, ‘I was a freshman a second ago.’ Aside from that, I had a pretty good time meeting my teachers and such.”

The last first day of high school experience can vary from person to person.

“It’s very bittersweet, knowing that the adrenaline and exhilaration of your first day of school is now over,” said Simms.

However, Bocanegra has a different outlook.

“The whole first last day thing doesn’t affect me that much. At this point in my life, I am ready to embrace the changes that will come.”

The new school year holds many new opportunities and experiences for our seniors.

“I’m looking forward to becoming everything I was shy to become a few years ago,” said Simms.

“I think the thing I look forward to the most about senior year is creating content with my team in my audio and video production class. [These] are two recent additions in my life that I’ve become very passionate about, so I’m grateful that I get to practice these crafts during the school day,” Bocanegra said.

The first day of school marked the final year of high school for the class of 2023, but there are many milestones ahead this school year before they exit as alumni in the spring.