For me, high school memories are special because of the friends I’ve made, and the sports I’ve participated in. A lot of the moments I remember are not huge events, but they felt that way at that time.
As graduation gets closer, I keep thinking about how quickly these four years have gone by, and how much has changed since freshman year. From performing at football games to hanging out with my friends every day, there are a few memories that I can’t forget. Thinking back, those experiences are what have really made EHS meaningful to me.
One of my first memories is our first freshman football game with myself as a cheerleader. The reason it is my
first top EHS memory is because I remember the feeling of butterflies in my stomach, loud music, cheering students, and pep talks from the current seniors. Even though this wasn’t my first football game experience, like the ones I’d attended during my seventh and eighth grade years at EHS, it was my first time ever standing in front of a crowd with the whole stadium of eyes on me.
Although I was nervous, being around my freshman friends (who I did grow closer with during the beginning of cheer season) and the reassuring, kind seniors made me feel as if I did belong on the track. I remember doing our first performance that night, hearing loud cheering and claps, and thinking it was just a rush.
After the game was over, I remember going to McDonald’s with my friends which became a “gamely” tradition.
The second memory is my first day of senior year. Everyone got to school early that morning to just take pictures with all their friends just right before class started. Seniors were wearing matching Class of 2026 shirts, paired with jeans, and some held Starbucks in their hands. My friends and I all took turns taking pictures and showing the camera that this is our last year ever in the EHS building.
Looking back at the pictures and re-capturing the moments before the camera took the photo, that morning was special because the energy was so different than any other “first day of school” since everyone knew it would be our last. It was one of those moments that felt exciting and emotional at the same time, and made me realize how fast high school had gone by.
The third memory is my senior night for cheer. The entire night felt emotional because it was one of the last times I would cheer on the field with specific girls. Before the game started, the underclassmen gave me and the other seniors gift baskets and balloons. We all took pictures together one last time as a team, and then walked down the field with our families wrapped around our shoulders. I remember feeling nervous walking down the field, thinking I was not going to cry, until I looked at my sister and saw she was crying. My teammates were cheering me on as I walked with my family.
During the game, everyone was extra energetic and emotional, especially knowing it was our last senior season together. Looking back and thinking about cheer, senior night was special because it celebrated all of our hard work, friendships, and the memories I’ve made throughout cheer.
As graduation gets closer, I realize that the best parts of EHS are the memories I’ve made with other people. I’ve gained new friendships, new social groups, and new connections. My first cheerleading game, last first day of school, and senior night may not have seemed that grand at the time, but they now mean a lot to me. Each memory reminds me of how much I’ve grown, and how many friendships I’ve built over the years.
I am really excited to start my new chapter, but I know there is a little part of me that is sad to be ending this one.
