As the second semester begins, the class of 2026 has begun planning a plethora of activities, old traditions and new, to celebrate their graduation. From Graduation parties to senior beach weeks, seniors look far and wide for exciting ways to celebrate their hard work. Our Flint Hill faculty scaffolds these activities, giving students a designated “Skip day” where seniors are excused from school on February 9th.
Debates have begun to spark about how students should spend this day, with some travelling to complete the “Philly Cheesesteak Challenge,” in which participants race to Philadelphia, attempting to eat an authentic cheesesteak and get back to Virginia prior to the end of the school day.
Other students plan on venturing out into D.C., with Senior Trip Gillespie expressing his plan to “Maybe go to a museum, lunch, or just walk around. Whatever I end up doing, I just want to do it with my friends”. Gillespie embodies the spirit of the day, where students can spend time with eachother and get away from the everyday stress of assignments and college releases.
Northern Virginia schools, both public and private, have the tradition of going on a vacation after graduation to spend time with peers and relax. In past years, students have gone to the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. This year, Huskies have decided to do something different, with over 50 seniors planning to vacation in the U.S. territory of St. Thomas at the beginning of summer break. Senior Lara Sheth told me, “I think this is a great way for us to appreciate our community and have fun before we go our separate ways in college”. Sheth and other classmates explained how, by going to St. Thomas, the students hope to be able to stay out of trouble and have a safe, fun week.
No matter how students choose to celebrate their graduation, our community hopes they have a fun and safe experience to end their high school experience on a positive note. Whether it be recharging at home or embarking on an adventure with their friends, take time to reflect on all that this senior class has accomplished and what is yet to come. Express gratitude to the students who embrace their differences and the teachers who help us become the best versions of ourselves.
