After four years of different experiences, opportunities, and with everyone leaving to go in different directions, the senior class came together to watch the sun slowly set behind Eagle Stadium during Senior Sunset this past Wednesday.
“The sunset on the Gabrielino bleachers is one of the most beautiful things, you can see the mountain range, the field, and everything that embodies Gabrielino pride,” explained senior Jesus Gonzalez, the Associative Student Body (ASB) President.
Beginning at 6 p.m., seniors slowly filled in the field laying out their blankets and bringing out their snacks. ASB hosted a multitude of activities, including games like Jenga and a memory wall where seniors could write their favorite moments from high school.
The class of 2025 has undoubtedly left their mark on Gabrielino by taking on leadership in their extracurriculars, engaging with their teachers, and forming unforgettable bonds with the people around them. Several of the ASB members who helped organize the event were underclassmen, many of whom learned how to lead from this year’s senior class.
“When we were freshmen, the seniors taught us how to run events,” said sophomore Ria Singh, a member of the office of clubs and organizations within ASB. “In yearbook, I wouldn’t know how to do anything without the help of the seniors.”
Many friends greeted each other and had the opportunity to sign each other’s yearbooks for the final time, with music setting the mood. Lorde’s “Ribs” played in the background as seniors took in the moment and reflected on their last year of high school.
“I’m spending the last moments with my best friends,” said senior Chenlu Yang. “The sunset represents the end of an era.”
Lots of feelings buzzed in the air as time ticked on to 7:00 p.m. Feelings of excitement, melancholy, fear, and pride—each moment bringing everyone closer to the last day of school and graduation.
“I’m kinda sad it’s all almost over,” remarked senior Alani Piedra. “I’m sad to leave my friends behind but I feel like it’s my time.”
As time drew closer to 7:30 p.m., ASB hosted more activities to bring out the inner child of the senior class. Friend groups gathered together to play a game of tag and play with a parachute. Other groups used the large, cardboard picture frames that ASB made to enhance their photos.
The sun finally began to set on the horizon around 7:50 p.m. Flashes of pink and orange light flooded the sky as day turned into night. It was a symbolic moment that represented the end of high school as a whole, and the beginning of a new chapter for the class of 2025. Seniors were reminded of what Senior Sunset—and the last four years of high school—truly meant to them.
“[Senior Sunset] is a good way for people to be around those who have impacted them throughout high school,” said senior Jadey Chen. “I’m so happy to be surrounded by so many lovely people.”
As the clock turned to 8:00 p.m., the senior class was ushered into the bleachers for a final photo together. The last of the sun’s light illuminated excited faces as the event came to an end, leaving the class of 2025 ready to face the unknown.
