Angela Ding '26
From senior sunrise to car decorating, all the way to navigating the stressful world of college applications, the Class of 2026 will close the chapter on their high school experience with a bang.
On the morning before the first day of school, Sidwell students gather at the Lincoln Memorial to watch the sunrise. This long-standing tradition is more than just an early morning get-together; it is a way for seniors to come together as they set off on the final stretch of their high school careers. As the sun rises, students from schools across the DC area sit on the stoops of the Memorial and take photos by the Reflecting Pool.
“Seeing the amount of people at senior sunrise made me reflective of how far I’ve come,” senior Noah Walliser said. “It reminded me that feeling nostalgic over high school ending is definitely a shared experience.”
One of the most anticipated senior traditions is decorating cars. Every year, seniors debut new designs on their cars that go along with their senior word. As friends decorate their cars together, they have the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Some cars featured designs from the word “Seniors” to stick figures of their friends. Others had more detailed designs, such as senior Alexandra Finn, who used markers to draw an elaborate under-the-sea scene.
No senior year would be complete without the looming shadow of college applications. “For the seniors, I would encourage them to embrace this time of uncertainty and view it as a chance for growth,” College Counselor Lauren Fields said. “It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the experiences and lessons learned along the way. Focus on the aspects of the process that you can control and remember that your worth is not defined by college admissions. You all are exceptional for many different reasons; don’t lose sight of that.”
Fields also wants to remind students that “It’s essential to approach this journey with self-reflection and to prioritize their own interests and values over external expectations.” She also urges students to “remember that this process is incredibly individual, so whenever possible, avoiding comparison to others allows you to stay focused on the strengths you bring to the table.”
The journey begins months before applications are due, with seniors attending college fairs, meeting with counselors and narrowing down their choices. Many seniors reflect on how the college application process has shaped their senior year. “For me, it’s definitely a little scary to think that all the stuff I’m doing now will determine my future,” said senior Lara Asch. She continued by advising underclassmen to get their standardized testing done as soon as possible.
On that note, 12th Grade Dean Yolanda Rolle wanted to remind the seniors that it’s important to “Stay cool.” This is more about your decision than it is about any one college’s decision about you,” she added. “That is, you are the one making the ultimate decision, not the college. Stated even more simply, this is a winning time for you! For all of you!”
Despite the stress, many seniors agree that the experience is one of self-reflection.Senior Kenzie Goldsteen said, “The techniques we’ve learned and the type of thinking we have learned throughout English and other classes has helped me be able to self-reflect.”
When seniors receive college decisions, Fields’ final piece of advice for students is to “keep in mind that acceptances and rejections are not reflections of their abilities or potential. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings but to also recognize that many successful individuals have faced rejection. This process is just one step on a much larger journey. And again, this process is your own, so I would encourage seniors to not open decisions with groups of friends or classmates. Give yourself time to celebrate or feel disappointment without an audience.”
Senior year is a whirlwind of emotions — excitement, anxiety, nostalgia and pride. Senior sunrise, car decorating and the college application process are all integral parts of the senior experience, serving as milestones that mark the passage of time. The younger classes will no doubt look on with anticipation, eager to participate in the traditions when their time comes.