As shades of hazy orange colored the night sky, our senior bearcats trickled onto the Football practice field of PRHS at 6:15 am. The annual tradition, “Senior Sunrise”, is one that students excitedly wait to be a part of until their last year of high school. This ceremonious tradition symbolizes the start of senior year and is concluded with a “Senior Sunset” in June. 

With a large turnout of approximately 150 students, they were well fed with donuts, apple juice and hot cocoa, provided by ASB and the Leadership team. An atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the sun to peek through the trees was in the crisp morning air. 

The turf was decorated with clusters of colorful blankets, games of spikeball, volleyball, and cornhole. Student wardrobes consisted of comfy clothes, pajamas, and smiles. By the end of the morning, the seniors had broken out of their cliques and intermingled, coming together for photos, dancing, and rounds of cards.  

“It was a coming together moment for my class, I finally felt like it was our first moment. We were all about to celebrate getting to senior year,” said varsity cheer captain Maddie Hurstak.

As the song, “Here Comes The Sun” faded out, senior class president Amani Arellano commemorated the moment with a thank you and friendly reminder to pick up trash. First period approached and bearcats began to leave, but the memories will not be forgotten. This wholesome morning was a great start to the school year and will be continued for future classes to come.