Schools were full of cheers, applause, hugs, and high-fives when the class of 2025 walked down the halls as they reminisced their childhood during the senior walk-around. Many seniors felt an overwhelming amount of emotions such as excitement, nostalgia and sadness.
The annual walk-around gives seniors an opportunity to look back at their past and recognize just how far they have come in their academic and personal achievements. Additionally, it allows students to revisit teachers who helped them on their educational pathway.
Senior Naomi Pleasant was one of many who reconnected with teachers who helped her progress through school.
“I got to see Ms. Hightower at MIS and I distinctly remember coming home from school every day and telling my parents about what I did with Ms. Hightower that day…I pushed through it (school) with the help of those teachers,” Pleasant said.
Tears fled the eyes of many and seniors like Yaretzi Carrillo (12) found themselves emotional seeing their younger reflections cheering them onward.
“When I saw the little kids in the halls I started to cry. I tried to hold it in as much as I could, but the emotions got to me and I cried a bit,” Carrillo said.
Pleasant had some additional sentiments.
“Knowing that I was once standing where they were standing and thinking what they were thinking ‘it’s going to be forever until I get there’… (thinking) I would never get there but here I am,” Pleasant said.
The walk-around is additionally one step closer to reaching the end goal of their graduation; and seniors are now beginning to recognize the strengths and personal meaning of being a Pirate. Isabella Altieri (12) makes note of the unifying feeling from being a Merrillville graduate.
“Being a Pirate means to me that we have many opportunities of being a team. It has helped me find who I am as I continued my education at Merrillville,” Altieri said.
Carrillo had some more thoughts regarding the title of a Pirate.
“To me, being a Pirate means being a part of a huge community where you are always supported and welcomed,” Carrillo said.
Graduation takes place on May 30th for the class of 2025, and anticipation is rising among the upcoming grads, where many are feeling optimistic about their future post high school.
“I feel like it’s been just helping me count down all the days until graduation finally comes. But it definitely has made me sad since all my friends in the classes below are sad to see me leave. But, I know it’s the beginning of something new to come so I’m very excited,” Altieri said.
