Seniors reflect on their 2026 memories
Updated: May 20
By Lyric McCall
General Reporter
It is the end of an era for senior students in their lives. Seniors can now enjoy moments of freedom, be themselves, and find their next steps.
For most students, senior year is about their favorite moments; according to Larry Curtis, his came from his Spanish class.
“It's a couple of my friends in there that I was really close with in freshman year, and we all took that class, and we got back close.”
Reconnecting with old friends can feel surreal because the last four years have gone by so quickly for him.
Valedictorian Cadence Argue's favorite moment in high school came from girls' volleyball senior night.
“I got a lot of letters from the underclassmen showing a lot of support and love to me. So, I was crying a lot that night. It was just very emotional for me; it was a very happy moment,” Argue said.
Students reflecting on their senior year have them realize how far they've come and the accomplishments they've made during this school year at Crete-Monee High School. The reflection for Larry Curtis is filled with exciting plans.
“I was accepted into my dream school. After high school, I’m going to West Virginia. I plan to major in aerospace engineering,” Curtis said.
Larry is set and ready for his new chapter after this one closes.
Argue's achievement was becoming valedictorian.
“Just getting called down to the principal's office and him shaking my hand and being like, 'You're the valedictorian this year. It really hit home and showed how hard I've worked, all the last four years, and even before that.”
These students make teachers like Mrs. Hysell proud.
“I hope they find a path that brings them joy and surround themselves with people who love and support them on whatever journey they choose.”
Argue said she enjoyed the freedom to do what she loves, and the love and support made the time like her girls' volleyball senior night a special moment she will cherish forever.
Prom gives seniors a chance to get out, go to a fancy venue, dress elegantly, party, socialize, and feast.
“I'm expecting to have a lot of fun. To see my friends and see all of our cute little outfits. Expecting to see some great food, because I love food. It'll be nice just to get out one night and get along with everybody,” Rice said.
Others just look at the whole process and preparation for prom.
“Prom is very stressful to plan. But I'm just waiting until all the after-parties. I wanna see who wins, prom queen and king. It's going to be fun,” Curtis said.
Graduation is only a couple of weeks away. Before a new chapter comes, there are some requirements to walk the stage.
“To graduate, seniors need to pass all of their classes, pay any outstanding fees, complete the community service requirement, fill out the FAFSA, and take the Illinois State Test (ACT),” English teacher Ms. Perez said.
Senior year is coming to an end, and students and teachers look back on the moments they’ll miss about their class of 2026. For many students, the relationships they have built are what they will miss the most.
“I'm going to miss my underclassmen. Sometimes I just feel like the mother of all these little kids, taking care of them and making sure they’re all right. I will miss being a leader figure to people because I'm about to be a freshman in college.”
This feeling seems to be mutual in the senior class.
“I’ll miss the underclassmen and the memories I made with them, and I'll miss my teachers too. Because they all kind of had an impact on me, from the time I got here,” Rice said.
For others like Larry Curtis, he’ll miss the thing that he has always had with him throughout his years in school.
“I’m going to miss my friends. My friend group met in second grade,” Curtis said.
The relationships that have been built are irreplaceable and will forever be missed and cherished, Ms. Perez shared.
“I’ll miss the relationships I built with this group of seniors. Over time, I got to see their personalities, humor, and growth in a way that made the classroom feel like more than just a place to learn; it felt like a shared space where they supported each other,” Perez said.
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