For senior Sepehr Ali Zadeh, those “cringe” moments are exactly what make the year worth it. Zadeh said he is most excited for events like senior skip day, senior trips, and the classic senior sunrise and sunset. While some activities may not appeal to everyone, he believes the point is not the participation rates, but the memories they create. 

“You won’t remember all the days you stayed home doing homework,” Zadeh said. “You will remember going out of your way to do something a little stupid that you can laugh about later.”

What some might call “cheesy” is really just a sign that people are making the most of their last moments together.

Senior Collin Chen reinforces the idea that senior traditions are worth embracing, arguing that even imperfect moments help bring the class closer as graduation approaches. Although he admitted a foggy senior sunrise took away from the experience, he still found it meaningful, serving as proof that these moments matter more for the connection they create rather than how cringeworthy they might seem. 

“They are pretty accessible and fun for all seniors,” Chen said.

From senior BBQs to grad night, Chen believes these events are less about being polished and more about shared experiences. Even activities that lose their novelty, like senior assassins, still contribute to the overall sense of connection.

Senior Riley Young also emphasized the importance of exclusive traditions, pointing to senior sunrise as his favorite event. “My favorite senior tradition is senior sunrise, as it’s only for seniors and no one else,” Young said. “I think[because]  it’s only for seniors, it gives a feeling of membership.  I think [the senior events]  are very memorable and are very important to my senior year.”

In the end, the so-called “corniness” of senior year is not something to avoid. Whether it is cringy pictures or sentimental speeches, these traditions mark the closing chapter of high school, and for many seniors, that is what makes them memorable.