Since its beginning, Ludlow High School has celebrated Senior Farewell with traditions that have remained the same for numerous generations of students. The ceremony symbolizes the transition from one class to the next and marks an end to a monumental chapter in the graduating class’ lives. The event begins in the auditorium as the Junior class surrounds the seated Seniors, raising flowers above their heads while the melody of the mid-17th century song, “Scarborough Fair,” fills the air. Another important tradition is the Passing of the Piece Pipe, a pipe passed from the Senior Class President to the Junior Class President with their Class Flag representing a symbol of the transfer of leadership and responsibility. The ceremony ends with one final senior walkthrough of the school halls while students and teachers wish them good luck.

To many members of the school, both teachers and alumni, the Senior Farewell is more than just another school event. It is deeply-rooted in the community as it allows for a connection to be formed between the current students and the generations who have graduated from LHS before them. Many former students still look fond upon their own Senior Farewell years after graduating. The meaningful event embodies the pride and shared memories that students take with them after graduation. 

One of the most notable parts of the ceremony has always been the music. For years, “Scarborough Fair,” a traditional folk-song, could be heard playing during the ceremony. Over the years, the song was a unanimous choice with Senior Farewell and helped to contribute to the emotional atmosphere created by the tradition. 

10th grade English teacher Mrs. Ollquist stated, “I really look forward to hearing the traditional Senior Farewell songs. The first few beats of Scarborough Fair have always made me emotional thinking about how this is the last time this class will be together at LHS.” 

However, while many alumni and longtime teachers cherish the significance of the song, others feel disconnected from it and believe it does not properly represent today’s modern world. 

At this year’s Senior Farewell, a major change was introduced. Instead of “Scarborough Fair,”  the Class of 2026 selected “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan to play during the ceremony. Seniors voted on their preferred songs from a student-created list, allowing the graduating class to feel more involved in the tradition. While the overall process of Senior Farewell remained the same, the change in the song played during the ceremony immediately became a controversial topic throughout the school community. 

This decision sparked mixed reactions among students, teachers, and alumni. Some people supported the modernization of the tradition and believed that the change in music made the ceremony feel more personal and meaningful to the graduating Seniors. 

“Scarborough Fair” was written years ago and was far better suited for a generation of students whose experiences are much different from the current graduating class. Songs like “Landslide” focus on growing older, important changes, and moving on, which many students felt better aligned with their emotions of graduating more than a traditional folk song. “You’re Gonna Go Far” also represents the uncertainty mixed with exhilaration that comes with graduating high school and moving on to a new chapter of life. The graduating class should have a voice in shaping their own experiences. 

Others, however, felt let down by the change. Some alumni believed that replacing “Scarborough Fair” takes away an important part of the ceremony’s identity. 

11th grade US History teacher Mrs. Zianio stated, “As a graduate and teacher, there are certain traditions that mean a lot to me and to our school culture. …I am disappointed to hear about the changes. Those songs were chosen purposely for that time period. …It’s just that when those songs begin, even if so many students aren’t familiar with it, the tone and the message evoke memories of my own years as a student and the many students I have known as a teacher. There is a certain feeling many graduates get when they hear those songs.  It is something that connects all of us. So, I am hoping that the music makes its way back to Farewell. However, time marches on, I do understand that too.” 

Due to the song’s longstanding ties with Senior Farewell, many people view it as an essential part of the tradition itself. To those individuals, changing the music represented a change to the history that brought generations of students together. They fear that altering one part of the ceremony could eventually begin the domino effect that leads to more changes, eventually erasing the tradition altogether. 

Despite the controversy, it is important to keep in mind who Senior Farewell is truly for: the graduating seniors. Alumni memories are valuable as they help to preserve the school’s history, but it is essential to note that the ceremony is meant to celebrate the students who will be walking across the stage in just a few days. 

Ludlow High School Senior (and soon to be graduate) Emilia Alves stated, “I think the changing of the songs is a good idea because a lot of the songs are outdated…I do not speak for the whole senior class…but I do think the songs that we have right now are not representative of our whole class and our generation in general.”

Many of the harshest critics have been from graduates who have already had the chance to experience Senior Farewell in their own way. The current Seniors deserve to have the same opportunity to create memories that are meaningful to them. Respecting the tradition does not necessarily mean that every part of the ceremony must remain exactly the same forever. Even as traditions change, they continue because each generation finds ways to make them meaningful while still honoring the legacy of past generations. 

This debate can extend to traditions in schools and communities worldwide. Traditions do not have to remain untouched in order to preserve history. Sometimes change can make traditions even stronger in order to reflect new generations. Traditions continue over years because people care about them, but new generations also want traditions to feel relevant to their own experiences. A balance between preserving history and making room for change can be a difficult transition, especially when it involves something that carries such strong emotional importance. 

The reaction to this year’s Senior Farewell changes shows how much people care about traditions in Ludlow. If the ceremony did not hold precedence in the community, the change in music would not have created such strong disapproval. The controversy demonstrates just how meaningful the Senior Farewell is to the community, decades after its initial celebration. The ceremony continues to be a symbol of accomplishment and an emotional transition into a new way of living.

The Senior Farewell has always been about more than its music and rituals. The event represents the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For the Seniors, it is one final moment for them to see their class all together and walk the familiar halls of Ludlow High School one last time. While certain aspects of the ceremony may continue to change over time, the meaning behind it will never be forgotten. 

Whether people believe this year’s changes are progress or the loss of an old tradition, the Senior Farewell continues to bring the Ludlow High School community together. The ceremony remains an important reminder that while new changes will come with every generation, the feelings and memories connected to graduation and moving forward will remain the same.