From the start of the class of 2026’s senior year back in August to the final days leading up to graduation in May, the upcoming graduates eagerly wait for the adventures to come during their last summer before parting ways with their closest friends. Senior summer brings opportunities for graduates to create invaluable memories at the beach, beside the campfire or abroad exploring the world with their families before adulthood strikes. At NC, seniors continue to plan their upcoming vacations and hangouts, ranging from summer camps to Six Flags Over Georgia day trips.
“To me, senior summer is special because it is our first real summer in forever. We feel more grown and it is kind of our way of getting introduced into adulthood. It is also a great time to reconnect with friends before you all have to go your separate ways,” senior Layla Duplessis said.
Certain seniors like Duplessis fill their summers with stress-free, relaxing days rather than chaotic summer trip planning. As these students finally earn time off after months of applying to colleges, filling out scholarship applications and writing essays for hours on end, catching up on hobbies remains vital for regeneration. Duplessis plans to build new hobbies, such as crafting clay items and cooking. Taking a relaxing break to mentally prepare for college or future endeavors remains important, but many seniors also begin looking ahead to the financial needs of their upcoming plans. In certain cases, graduates consider jobs or internships that will aid their intended major if attending college.
To strategize a successful summer that will set one up for a wonderful first semester in college, students could also spend time volunteering in their local community to build soft skills that will boost their personal growth. For example, volunteering helps hone one’s communication and teamwork skills, two needed traits to thrive while meeting hundreds of new friends in the first months of the college or trade school experience. On the other side of the spectrum, various opportunities arise during the last summer before loved ones part ways, including attending summer camps with childhood best friends.
“I have a lot of plans over the summer. I am going to a summer camp with my youth group right after graduation, I am working at some children’s camps, and I am doing a summer intensive show program at the end of July. Senior summer is really special because it’s the last few weeks before I move away from home, so I will be spending a lot of that time with friends I won’t get to see regularly anymore,” magnet senior Mary Washburn said.
Attending camp as a young child and later as a teenager heading to college brings a sense of nostalgia that allows graduates to enjoy their last summer with their closest friends. Spending this time away from home also prepares college-bound students to ease into the campus lifestyle, with a dorm-style living arrangement and a dining hall-like environment. Graduate Washburn plans to do exactly that as she attends a camp with her youth group at Kennesaw Methodist Church while also volunteering at other children’s camps to serve the younger generation at her church.
As NC seniors have looked ahead into planning their dorm rooms, choosing trade schools or considering attending another higher education institution, the summer before all these plans come to fruition becomes keen to keeping friendships alive as they start building their futures. Whether by traveling the world or spending the summer months hanging out with friends, NC alumni can finally breathe and pause to take care of themselves before their new chapter begins.
The Chant would like to congratulate the class of 2026 and all their achievements!
