Seniors cap-ture graduation

Rhiannon leal

Features and entertainment

Senior cap-and-gown pictures were taken on March 11, and students such as senior Isis Shores were told to schedule appointments at different times to complete their last school photos of 2026.

On March 11, Seniors of Crete Monee High school took their cap and gown pictures. Photographer - Jasmine Grant

"Holding the cap and gown picture day at Crete allows all students to be photographed without needing to travel to New Lenox," said Mrs. Rodriguez. "Seniors only pay for photos if they are ordering a photo package," she added.

Shores picked out her outfit for her last year and will be graduating in May. Many students like her came to school wearing outfits to show off for their picture that will be shown on the screen during graduation. There are three different sashes students can be awarded: summa cum laude, high test scores, and magna cum laude. Isis Shores got sumo cum lade, which means she got to wear a gold sash for having a GPA over 3.5.

"It's a yellow top and some nice jeans," Shores said. "It's a nice memory to look back on your senior year. I want something to show my kids in the future and keep the memories.¨

Burns Photography is the company that took pictures for all the seniors, capturing their last high school photo memories. When taking pictures, each student stands in line, tries on a cap and gown, and has their name crossed off the list. Seniors received a smart pass that let them know when their pictures were ready to begin and where to go to take them, which was in the auditorium.

“Students schedule an appointment directly with Burns Photography, and Burns provides me with the list of scheduled times. I then schedule SmartPasses for each student so they can be dismissed from class 10 minutes before their appointment, giving them enough time to get to the auditorium and be fitted in their cap and gown,” Mrs. Rodriguez said.

Aaron Johnson is another senior who signed up and finished graduation photos. His photos were taken during seventh period, and during these photos, other seniors were there at this time. Aaron Johnson finished the pictures quickly due to long lines, but went back to class during ninth period.

“I'm gonna wear a little polo, some jeans, and probably converse, you know, something chill,” said Aaron Johnson. “I think it's just important for the memories, especially being senior year, just sort of, something to look back on,” Johnson said.