Seniors’ last week is approaching, and after May 22, they will be officially done with classes. Now is when they look forward to the next chapter of their life, while also reflecting on their journey. High school has been all about getting them ready, but how was that experience at South?
High school is a confusing time, and friends are an amazing help when it comes to figuring it all out. For many seniors, such as Molly Kendall ’26, the biggest takeaway from high school has been the friendships made.
“I think my friends really made high school amazing,” Kendall said. “I’ll be friends with them forever because of South. South gave me the best experience with them.”
Though South has an esteemed academic program, that is not what most students will remember ten years from now. They will remember the fun they had and the memories they made. Charligh Backon ’26 was all about school events.
“My favorite day [in high school] was the day of the pep assembly, parade and then the football game,” Backon said.
School spirit is a defining part of the high school experience, and South prides itself on its abundance of participation and tradition. Backon even used the word “spirited” to describe her experience here in one word. Devils Den leader Jack Smith ’26 went even further, describing his time at South as “electric.”
“It just has so many events,” Smith said. “Great people here, great community.”
Though the school has many positives, its absence policy seems to be something a majority of students agree can be fixed. At South, you are allotted 10 absences per semester, and going over the threshold has consequences ranging from detention to losing credit for the class.
“Something South should change [is that] I think we need at least 15 [absences],” Smith said. “10 is really low. I don’t even want to be there, so when I have to be, I’m not doing anything. It’s not very productive.”
All in all, South’s spirit and community are what the class of 2026 will carry with them even after leaving.
“I’m going to miss it so much,” Kendall said. “I love it here, and I will mourn these for years for the rest of my life.”
