The class of 2026 will be graduating on May 23, marking the end of their four year journey, and becoming the final class to leave the old high school behind. As the school year comes to a close, some seniors reflected on the memories they’ve made while preparing to move on to new opportunities. According to the Ohio By The Numbers website, graduation rates across the state exceed 90 percent, highlighting the continued success of students statewide. 

In an Eye of The Gale questionnaire, some seniors responded to questions about their final days of high school recalling favorite memories, what they will miss about high school, and what they plan to do in the future after graduation.  

“My favorite memory from high school is FFN being with all my favorite people, surrounded by good energy under the lights on a Friday evening. Something I will never forget about high school is the lunch periods during my freshman and sophomore years. Those were the moments where friendships grew the most, and even the small everyday conversations, laughs, and memories became some of the best parts of high school. Looking back now, I realize those simple moments meant so much more than I thought they did at the time,” said Gill.

Another senior, Jaidon Mokas said that as he looked back on his high school experience, he realized that he discovered important things about himself and what he wanted to accomplish.

 “My fondest memory in high school would have to be when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join theatre. I went in not knowing anything and was welcomed with open arms. I then decided to join broadcasting and that changed my perception of everything. I found what I truly had a passion for, which was videography and photography. Being able to step behind a camera and snap a picture of anything you have set into your mind and make it more beautiful than it already is really just has a way of making me smile. If there’s one piece of advice I could leave to upcoming students it’s this, you can do anything you put your mind to, so long as you have the confidence, and determination to fight for it no matter what anyone tells you,” said Mokas.

Another senior from the questionnaire Sam Welch stated her favorite memories.

 “My fondest high school memory would be doing theater for the first time and finding my passion,” said Welch.

One of Lilianna Golden’s favorite memories was homecoming and her cheer team.

“My boyfriend and our friends loaded up in his tiny car and we were blasting music and we at the dance we all laughed and had so much fun together. Also when my cheer team decided to surprise our coach after practice at her house and we watched movies, ate candy, just dance, and got to have some great team bonding,” said Golden.

As their year is coming to an end, the seniors start to realize how monumental their years at LHS have been. 

“What I will miss most about high school is the memories. It’s crazy to think that high school was once my whole life, and now it’s becoming just a memory. High school feels like a chapter in my book . . . one that taught me so much, gave me unforgettable experiences, and helped shape the person I am today. There is still so much more in life to experience, but at certain points in life, one thing becomes your entire focus. For the past four years, high school has been that focus for me. Even though this chapter is ending, the memories, friendships, and lessons I’ve gained from it will always stay with me,” said Gill. 

“The one thing I’ll miss most about high school is theatre, theatre was a huge part of my high school career and I will miss it deeply,” said Mokas. 

Welch talked about the friendships she has made, and that she said she will miss her friends  and goofing off with them.

Golden said she will miss cheerleading, though she only participated for two years.

“This season was the best cheer team I have ever been on, coach Blair is just the best and all the girls were so nice and worked so well together,” said Golden.

Lastly the seniors talked about their plans for the future. Gill said she is planning on attending college and going into nursing. 

“After graduating high school, I plan to attend Ohio University and earn my bachelor’s degree in nursing over the next four years. After that, I plan to continue my education by attending graduate school to earn my master’s degree. As long as everything goes smoothly, I hope to begin my nursing career at either Nationwide Children’s Hospital or Mount Carmel Health System and gain experience working there for a few years. Eventually, my goal is to open my own business and build a successful future doing something I’m passionate about,” said Gill.

Mokas is also planning on attending college.

“After high school I plan to attend Ohio University Lancaster where I will study communications and theatre arts. I wish to continue my passion for the arts and follow my dreams,” he said.

Welch said that she plans to go to college and study education.

 “My future plans are to go to college to become a teacher,” said Welch.

As with Gill, Golden said she also intends on going into nursing.

“I am planning to go to Mount Carmel School Of Nursing, I want to complete the BSN program and specialize in pediatrics. Afterwards I hope to go to Children’s Hospital to work,” said Golden.

Not all students are feeling enthusiastic about graduating from high school.  According to psychologist Lynn Bufka, spokesperson for the American Psychological Association, some new graduates may not have made solid plans for the future and may not know how to transition into the next stage of their lives.

“Many parents may be at a loss for how to reassure their children during a time of such great uncertainty, which could make things even harder on teens and young adults. It’s unprecedented for all of us, but it’s completely new for teens and young adults — and they don’t have the wealth of experiences that older individuals have with transitions,” she said (Neighmond).