The final walk through the high school hallways often feels less like a march toward the future and more like a slow-motion review of the past four years. For the Class of 2026, they are beginning the transition from being the leaders of the school to the youngest members of a new world. It is in these final weeks that the weight of late-night study sessions, the excitement of sports games and the friendships formed finally settle in. This story explores the legacy of the senior class, highlighting the pride, the memories and the growth that occurs when students finally reach the finish line.
To understand the full South experience, one must consider the perspectives of those who have been part of it from different angles. Wendy Jerome, a chemistry teacher and South alumna, provides a bridge between the traditions of the past and today’s graduating class.
“My absolute favorite memory is probably homecoming time,” Jerome said. “I still enjoy homecoming, and I was a cheerleader, so it was even extra special because we were just doing so many activities and getting ready for the pep assembly, parade and all the things. We did crafts and stuff for the football players, and put up big signs at their houses with their numbers.”
For some current seniors, that same school spirit is a part of their favorite moments of the past four years. Class of 2026 President Heidi Bryan ’26 finds that the most lasting memories are those where the entire student body comes together.
“I think all my favorite memories just have everything to do with school spirit,” Bryan said. “Everything we do for homecoming, and just all year round, I feel like all those events are always so fun.”
While school-wide events provide the backdrop, many seniors found their community through athletics. Ben Showalter ’26, a varsity swim captain who also played football, credits the athletic department for his most significant growth.
“I’m super thankful that South has such great coaches, coach Fo is amazing, coach Bill, coach Greg…, the swim team has had such an impact on me. I’m glad I did it,” Showalter said. “I remember going to states for swim this past year. It was such a cool experience.”
Connor Smith ’26 shared that same athletic pride, joining the swim team his senior year after being convinced by friends. He eventually competed on a relay team at the state level. The thrill of making it alongside his closest friends became the best part of his senior year.
“I made some friends on the team, too, Brady Bond, for example,” Smith said. “He’s a talent for sure. Being part of that relay was such a rush because we were all pushing each other to leave everything in the pool for our last season together.”
Due to these experiences, Showalter’s advice for younger students is straightforward: get involved early. He
motivates younger students to overcome their first feelings of anxiety.
“Do sports year-round, just do as many as possible,” Showalter said. “It’s good for your body, and you meet so many new people. My recommendation is to go get out there.”
Beyond the pool and the field, the classroom provided a different kind of connection. For Smith and Showalter, the impact of engaging teachers like Mr. Adams, Mr. Campion and Mr. Sweitlik made the school memorable. Having a teacher who genuinely cares about the material can change a student’s entire outlook on a school day.
“I’m a big fan of Mr. Adams,” Showalter said. “He taught me honors biology and I thought he was really funny. You could tell he knew a lot. His class was super interactive, just like Mr. Campion’s. Campion taught me mythology; he was such a good storyteller and was really captivating.”
However, the senior review often comes with the realization of missed opportunities. Despite her leadership roles, Bryan notes that there is always more to explore.
“If I could change anything, I’d have joined more clubs,” Bryan said. “But I’m proud of how I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things.”
Smith expressed a similar sentiment regarding the South Asian Club, run by his friend.
“I really wish I had joined,” Smith said. “It sounded like they had such a great time in there. I’m kind of sad I missed out on it.”
Class-wise, there’s overlap between Smith and Showalter as well. Smith remembers how much he enjoyed his sophomore year biology class.
“I had a lot of fun in that class,” Smith said. “It was mostly because of my friends, we had a lot of fun with the labs, the projects and Mrs. Lupher was great.”
His favorite teacher, however, was his junior year chemistry teacher. He credits the environment of the class for helping him navigate one of the most difficult subjects in the honors curriculum.
“Mr. Sweitlik was awesome,” Smith said. “He had everyone’s name on a card, so there was some suspense about who would be called on; he kept everyone engaged. I just like how he teaches his class. He really set the bar high but it’s a good class that makes you want to show up and give your best every day. ”
As Smith wraps up his time at South, he reflects on the lessons that have mattered most. Looking back, he knows exactly what advice he wants to leave for those just starting their high school journey.
“Spend time with your friends,” Smith said. “But most importantly, work hard.”
Leaving behind the only world they’ve known for four years is daunting, but it is one filled with excitement. Bryan finds that the distance she is putting between herself and her hometown is exactly what she needs to grow.
“I’m excited,” Bryan said. “I’m going decently far away, so it’s not like I can really turn back, and I feel like that just kind of helps, to push me away and stand on my own two feet.”
The lessons learned within the walls of South often extend beyond the subject taught in the classroom. Jerome hopes that her students carry the ability to be resilient when things don’t go according to plan.
“Making mistakes is okay, and you know, just learn from them,” Jerome said. “I mean, whether it’s academic, personal or social, mistakes are fine. If you can handle a bad grade or a little slip-up here, you’ll be able to handle whatever the real world throws at you later.”
As students prepare to leave South, the familiarity of the school environment becomes something to savor as graduation draws near.
“I think I’ll miss just the everyday routine of just showing up,” Bryan said. “I know where my friends are going to be in the hallways. I know what teachers I’m going to see and I know who I’m gonna say hi to.”
Facing the unpredictability of the future, many seniors are reminded that change is an essential part of growing up. Courtney Johnson, school librarian, believes they begin to view the end of high school as both a challenge and an adventure.
“Life is a roller coaster, and you just have to be buckled up,” Johnson said. “Have so much fun, because this summer and next summer are kind of like the last, youthful moments that you will have. Don’t spend all your time worrying about the future that you forget to enjoy the freedom you have right now.”
With graduation on the horizon, the excitement of new beginnings is matched by the curiosity of what comes next.
“I’m just looking forward to everything,” Bryan said. “After this, when going into college, you have so much more range of things you can do, places to go and who you want to be.”
