As seniors reach the end of their high school journey, they often participate in a variety of traditions that mark this remarkable milestone. Here’s a brief glimpse into some of the different senior traditions high school seniors participate in nationwide. 

One common tradition among seniors is the creation of class rings. These rings serve as symbols of school pride and often have customized symbols/engravings (the wearer chooses what it looks like majority of the time). Class rings not only commemorate the graduating class but also brings a sense of unity among students.

Another widely recognized tradition is Senior Skip Day, an unofficial holiday where seniors choose to skip school, typically during the spring semester. This day allows seniors to relax and bond with their classmates. Some seniors decide to go to the beach, and others simply enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation. 

Senior pranks have been very popular around schools nationwide. They have slowly been becoming less popular, especially due to the increased scrutiny and disciplinary measures by school administrators. While some pranks may be harmless, others have resulted in property damage, which makes schools discourage or ban such pranks. Despite the decline in popularity, senior pranks remain a fairly nostalgic aspect of high school for many. 

A more modern senior tradition involves competitive activities such as Nerf Wars, Water Wars, or Senior Tag/Assassin. These contests involve individuals or teams of seniors who play against each other in competitions, which could last many weeks. This year, seniors in the Apex area have been participating in water wars; one school alone has over three-hundred participants. As seniors strategize and engage in such battles, they create lasting memories that will extend beyond their high school years. 

High school senior traditions include many different activities, each contributing to the true senior experience. All of these activities create memories and friendships that could last an eternity. I encourage future seniors to participate in such activities so that they can end off their high school journey on a high note.