CAPTION: Senior Ian Longpre poses with his Pokemon-themed senior backpack. Photograph by Allison Kusuda (’27).
As the class of 2027 enters their final high school year, they have kicked it off by taking part in few popular senior traditions.
Senior Sunrise, August 1, 2027
On August 1, the class of 2027 gathered at Sandy Beach Park in the early morning to enjoy the sunrise together. Senior Sunrise became a trend in the early 2010s across high schools in the United States. The tradition quickly spread through social media, which is where the senior class officers first learned of it. Katherine Butay, social chair, said, “We decided to organize a senior sunrise because it is very symbolic in terms of the sunrise representing the start of this final year that we have together.” Butay’s expectations were low at first and she was thrilled with the outcome as well over half her class showed up at the beach. Ian Longpre, class president, was also extremely satisfied with the event’s turnout. Longpre’s favorite part was when everyone came together for a large group picture. “It was just fun to see everyone enjoying themselves and spending time with their close friends, deepening that relationship together,” he said. In addition to enjoying the sunrise, some seniors also took the chance to enjoy an early morning swim. Madisyn Rogers said, “My favorite part was probably getting into the water because even though it was really intimidating. It was just really nice to go early in the morning with my friends.” Longpre and Butay hope to organize a senior sunset event to bookend their final year in high school.
Senior Backpacks:
When the class of 2027 returned to school from their summer break, many seniors had switched out their regular backbacks with little-kid themed backpacks. The trend was made popular through TikTok and Instagram reels, and it symbolizes a full circle moment as students enter their final year of high school. Kaylee Kobashigawa chose a Hello Kitty backpack from the Aloha Collection. “I wanted something that I liked when I was younger, but then I also wanted it to be more practical, so it didn’t break on the first day,” she said. Zoe Tawata also joined the trend. She said, “I wanted to choose a backpack that correlated to one of my favorite childhood films.” Her backpack of choice was a Toothless-themed backpack from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.
Senior Retreat:
On September 8, the class of 2027 will head to the Big Island for the annual Senior Retreat. Dynah Ustare, faculty advisor and trip chaperone, is looking forward to getting to know the class better. “This is the first year that I get to teach them. Last year, I only taught those who took AP English 11, so teaching the majority of them this year would be different. It means that I will finally get to work closely with students whom I’ve only gotten to know through homeroom, camps, and class socials. The academic setting creates a different dynamic,” wrote Ustare. Fellow advisor Jonathon Kempe is looking forward to seeing how God is using the student body to draw students into a deeper relationship with Him. “I want the seniors to bond as a whole class and break down any boundaries that may exist between people or groups. I also want them to step confidently into the life God created them for. Instead of waiting to grow in their faith later, they should respond now,” wrote Kempe.
Advice from Faculty Advisors:
“There are many people you haven’t talked to deeply that have cool interests and you’d enjoy being friends with. Pay attention to the non-surface level interests and values. Those are the people you’ll gravitate towards in college and after. Leave your relationship in a place where that’s possible (because people grow), or even talk to them this year.” -Mr. Christian Chee
“Time is such a precious commodity. Don’t waste it on meaningless drivels or drama. Communicate and clear the air as as soon as you can. Do the work as soon as you can, and choose activities that will bring health to your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Most of all, time is God’s gift. Ask yourself how you can use this precious gift to honor Him, to grow, and to serve others.” – Mrs. Dynah Ustare
