Time is ticking, and the sand in the hourglass is running empty if you’re a junior this year. It’s almost that time for the Class of 2026: graduation. This bittersweet era of our lives is inching closer as the days go on, so it’s about time to reflect on how this school year went for the juniors as we close out, ready to begin as seniors. There were many memorable moments, especially to kick off the school year. To celebrate homecoming and our first spirit week, the juniors created a crafty and entertaining tent. It was filled with traditional carnival games, food, face-painting, and more.
Mrs. Nemeth enjoyed the pastimes of this week as well. “I think you all showed up for Fall spirit week, and I loved your tent theme.”
The juniors came together and celebrated the fall festivities, which was made evident to her. Although homecoming itself may not have been the biggest event of the year, the class still made that week in the fall an incredibly fun time.
Bundling up in the winter, with 2026’s class color being blue, the class came up with a Winter Wonderland theme during winter spirit week, which was executed very well.
Catarina Mazza, a junior and an active member of the student council, who is also relatively involved in school activities, commented on the successes of this significant week. “We held a really well-attended pep rally, where we were able to bring our class together and create so many fun memories. Our theme made everything look nice, and I enjoyed seeing people in our grade show out.”
Many participating students showed out to earn some points for the class, all while wearing chilly blue clothes. The juniors took home some thrilling wins.
The moment everybody had been waiting for was by far the biggest event of the year: prom. The juniors conducted an amazing night for the school to enjoy. The theme was masquerade, giving the night a sense of mystery, excitement, and enthusiasm, with lots of etiquette and elegance. The fixtures and decorations were magical, and the DJ was excellent. Students enjoyed the music and energy.
However, the prom was not at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, as it typically is. The juniors picked a new venue, which was the Springfield Country Club. This may have been controversial on some aspects to students, as many wanted it to stay in Holyoke, but it worked out wonderfully, with people still having a great time, no matter the location. The open floor plan and the outdoor area were a perfect place for pictures.
Mazza also commented on the achievements of prom night. “We held a phenomenal prom and created a night for everyone to remember.” Students enjoyed it thoroughly, and that was made obvious throughout the hours of the prom.
Mr. Hanson, one of the advisors of the junior class, had a clear view of the student council’s prom planning in his eyes. “Their capstone was the prom, which always has a lot of moving parts, so organization was paramount,” Hanson stated. “They chose a new venue in itself, which was hard enough, but they stayed ahead of everything, and it was a rousing success.” He complimented the council on a job well done.
The class created a stunning performance at making a night filled with such fun and amusement, and not to mention, everyone looked sensational. Dresses were gorgeous, and suits looked great on everybody. This was definitely an event that many will not forget anytime soon. The amount of planning that went into it and the effort to put together such a remarkable prom was fantastic to see.
Mr. Hanson also discussed how well everybody in the class worked to provide a perfect year, especially the members of the student council. “Mrs. Jacobson and I were very lucky to have an amazing Junior Board. They were organized and proactive at every turn. They elicited feedback from the class on activities and executed them flawlessly.” He reflected. Once asked about his thoughts on the role as the junior class advisor, it got sweet. “I think the most satisfying part of being an advisor was the growth of the council as well as the junior class in general, which is also why I will leave with many enduring memories.” Mr. Hanson is stepping down and retiring as a teacher and an advisor for the class of 2026 once the year ends, but he clearly loved to see the juniors thrive this year. 
There has been growth in many ways throughout the year that some may not come to realize. Junior year is coming to an end, and it is important to think about what’s in store for you. This year is a very special year for everybody. It is where you need to put time into thinking of what you want to be. Whether your goal was to maintain good grades or just to have some fun, we are graduating awfully soon. Whatever path you may take once high school ends will truly be a milestone in your life. College, a job, or something different. Remembering our time as high schoolers will not fall short. Every year that we have spent together will be one to recall for the rest of our lives, no matter what you plan to do in the future.
Reminiscing on junior year, many did their best to achieve things and reach for the stars in academics or other objectives. We all did very well at it, too. Once we are all seniors, possibly in our caps and gowns later on, it is important to recall what fun you may have had throughout your years of high school, but especially during junior year. The Class of 2026 is not merely a class that alumni or teachers will let slip from their minds. It was such a successful year for everybody. Enjoy the time you have left in high school. It is falling very short from us!