The Black and White

by Jillian Mastrostefano

After twelve years of education, the class of 2026 reaches the end of something as they begin year twelve. Years of learning and growing together finally coming to an end, from kindergarteners to seniors. But the end of something must mean the beginning of something else. 

After a summer away from one another, the class of 2026 reunited this past week at Narragansett Beach before 5:00am to watch the sun rise. It set forth a number of emotions, this moment marking the beginning of the end. As happy as everyone is to become seniors, this event was the first of so many lasts. 

Senior sunrise is a student-hosted event that celebrates not only the last year of high school, but the beginning of life after. It marks the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. Many of these students have spent years of classes with the same people they’ll soon walk the stage with. Rising senior Laryssa Farrell says, “Senior sunrise isn’t just about watching the sky change, it’s about realizing we’re changing too.” This event was one of the last moments they’ll share together, everyone soon starting different futures after over a decade on the same path. It not only provided them a comforting sense of community, but a memory they won’t forget. Soon it will become incredibly bittersweet – ending it with the same people they started with. 

The sunrise symbolizes the sudden role and responsibility these ‘rising’ seniors now have at Pilgrim High School. Although so close, they still have months of walking these halls, months of being influential examples to all of those younger students. As they continue to grow, becoming the oldest class in the school, they must take this opportunity to make effective change in order to guide others.

Senior class president Ainsley Ottilige says, “I think it was a great way to get everyone together to kick off our final year as high schoolers.” A perfect reflection from someone who has the largest senior role to play, planning so many senior events and memories such as this one. Senior sunrise was only the beginning for these students, they have so much to look forward to, prepare for, and enjoy this year. It will go by before they know it, just one look away and the sun will be starting to set.