As the second semester at Mount Vernon High School is coming to an end, the senior class of ’26 is either experiencing or has already experienced their last moment in their many activities.

High school students always eagerly anticipate their senior year, a year with fewer classes, more free periods, and the excitement of moving on. But on a more emotional level, seniors have to say goodbye to classmates they have grown up with since preschool, prepare and learn to live on their own, and, most importantly, have their final last in high school. The seniors’ last moments include many extracurricular activities, such as concerts, games, performances, and competitions.

For Landon Grosse, a four-year soccer player, his most important last moment will be his last high school soccer game. This is also a special moment for Grosse because it will be the last thing he does in high school, since the soccer season ends around the same time as the school year. He mentions that this is the last time he will play with his team, which is full of classmates he has grown up with, and that it is causing mixed emotions of happiness and heartbreak.

Grosse’s favorite moment in his high school soccer career was when the team beat Fort Madison in the sub-state semi-finals to go to the sub-state finals. “One of the happiest games in my soccer career,” Grosse said.

Since Grosse’s college is still undecided, he is a little nervous about picking the right school and about whether playing soccer in college is a good decision. Going into pre-med is the plan, so the dream of becoming a doctor can be achieved. Grosse doesn’t want to miss out academically if soccer is in the way, but he also doesn’t want to regret not playing soccer if that becomes the decision.

Grosse remembers his last first day of school as not being as special at the time. “Looking back, I realize how much the moment meant that high school was coming to an end and how fast it went.” Grosse said.

When the class of 26’ moves forward, many things will be missed from Mount Vernon High School. It varies from the small community where you’re most comfortable, being able to see family in the halls, being with friends, getting together outside of school, and the great support system that people at Mount Vernon provide.

Ellah Shook, a Science Olympiad captain, found herself involved in many activities. The last moment that meant the most to Shook, though, was her last marching band competition. “It was the last time that I got to wear the same uniform I’ve been wearing for the past four years, and it was the mountain top of everything I’ve done with band,” Shook said. On top of marching band and Science Olympiad, Shook said that before graduation, she would love to finish all of her extracurriculars with success.

When Shook leaves the Science Olympiad team she hopes to leave a great legacy and many more students join. “Everyone should try Science Olympiad for at least one season” she said. You can always start on JV which is lower stakes, and it’s a great opportunity to look into different fields of science to see what you might like best. Plus the people are wonderful and the trips are fun!” Shook said.

After high school, Shook plans to attend Luther College and study biology. “I’m really excited to be able to study more exclusively in my field of interest, and to try new things in college!” Shook said. The feeling of moving forward is a very exciting thing for seniors, and being able to commit to your main passions.

The last first day of school for Shook was a little emotional. “ It felt kind of like the start of the end. Not in a bad way, just that I won’t be doing this again next year,” Shook said.

Throughout the four years of high school, there are many challenges to overcome. These may include AP classes, online courses, sports, balancing school and social life, or even personal challenges like anxiety. Hopefully, by senior year, the challenges high school has presented to each student will have helped them grow as a person.

Owen Francios, a speech participant, immersed himself in various activities. The most important last for Francios was his last science olympiad competition. “Specifically the last test was the most impactful.” Francios said. Also, as mentioned by Francois, the excitement of finishing up all of his extracurriculars is really thrilling. Knowing that Francios finished all of his activities without quitting when things got hard, is a feeling many seniors are proud of.

In speech Francios was a part of many events and powerful pieces. “I am most proud of Nova Scotia, as it was outside of my comfort zone to do a piece without a script, and my group was successful.” Francios said.

The following school year for Francios is at Luther College, where he will be studying chemistry and singing in the choir. Even though many seniors are ready for college and are extremely thrilled, there are many nerves. “I am most nervous about keeping my academics on track without the strict schedules of high school,” Francios said.

Francios had a very normal last first day of high school, as much of the rest of the Mount Vernon School District. “My last first day of school was entirely normal for me, I have never cared much about first days.” Francios said.

As seniors leave Mount Vernon High School, many hope to be remembered in numerous different ways. It could be someone who was fun, nice, willing to help, a good friend, someone people could talk to, kind, hard worker, someone who challenged themselves, smart, competitive, or even strong.

Norah Weber, a band, choir, and musical member, has her most important last in high school to be her last marching band performance. “My last marching band performance meant the most to me because I had spent my entire life watching my dad and his marching band. It was so special getting to experience band with my dad and also my little brother,” Weber said. Weber is also very happy to complete her last band and choir concerts.

Weber has experienced many moments on stage, but there are always a couple moments that will mean the most. “In my senior year at Iowa Thespian festival I got to perform hadestown in front of 1500 people but I also got to serve as a state thespian officer and sign out of the position that I held for a year. Those two moments were filled with so much joy, and accomplishment, I felt like I was capable of anything I could ever dream,” Weber said.

Weber plans to continue her education at Iowa and major in musical theater and music therapy. Weber is extremely excited to continue her passions. “I am so excited to continue performing and pursuing my dreams, while also using my talents to help people, and help people find their place in the world.” Weber said.

Weber’s last first day of high school was filled with many mixed emotions. “It was bittersweet. I loved getting to do senior sunrise with all my friends and it really made me sad thinking of all the people I would be apart from next year,” Weber said.

Lastly, as these four seniors and many more move on to new things past high school, their advice for incoming freshmen is very encouraging and crucial. “Get involved in sports, fine arts, clubs, and this is where you will make your friends and create experiences,” Grosse said.

On a more academic level, Shook said, “Take the classes you want. If it’s a toss-up between something you feel like you need to do and something you want to do, choose the thing you want. Having fun in high school is super important, and I think people forget that a lot.”

For incoming freshmen, Francios said, “Do every extracurricular you can,” for the fine arts department, “Even if you’re not very good at it, you will still have fun!”

In the end, “Find your people, be authentically you, and most importantly, always choose kindness, when all else fails, choose to be kind,” Weber said.