As the 2024-2025 school year draws closer to the end, seniors are preparing to transition from high school to college. In FC, recognizing these students is an important part of obtaining a supported and dedicated alumni class.
“It is an opportunity for our seniors to showcase what’s next. Our number one goal as a high school is to prepare students for what’s next, and this is just a way to help celebrate that. So whether you’re going off to college or going into the workforce, we’re hoping to celebrate that. Instead of a red carpet, we’re going to do a green carpet walk, and it’s kind of going to be like a pep rally style where the underclassmen are there watching,” said assistant principal Kelly Payne.
To be able to have the event run smoothly, there is a set routine that will happen for the viewing of students. With the collaboration of others, seniors will be able to be highlighted individually.
“After seventh period, the underclassmen will come into the gym. We’ll have the green carpet. We have two masters of ceremonies (MC), so then we’ll have the senior class lined up based on that, I believe Miss London’s class is creating a video or PowerPoint presentation and so i’ll say ‘IU’ and then all the students that’s that are going to IU will have their names and they’ll come out and they’ll walk the green carpet,” said Payne. “We’ll get a picture. We’re hoping to have some stuff to throw in the audience. We’ll all clap, and then they’ll go and sit with the rest of the seniors. Then, the next set will come in, and it’ll be up. We’re just hoping it’s a fun event to celebrate our seniors.”
Another way that FC plans to make the experience more involved for the students is to also be able to personally represent their choice of a college career. This can be shown through apparel like T-shirts and hats.
“So we’re hoping that whatever you’re going into, so let’s say you’re going into construction. I mean, bring your hard hat or whatever. If you’re going to Indiana University, you’re wearing the college T-shirt or wherever they are going. We’re hoping that our staff, like I plan, I went to Western Kentucky, so I plan to wear my shirt that day,” said Payne.
This idea can be compared to other global occasions that are more popularly known for their walks of recognition. Since they are favored by many, the inspiration from it can make it a more timely encounter.
“It’s just a green cart, it’s kind of like when you go to the Oscars, you walk the red carpet. Except, we’re celebrating our seniors, so they’re the ones walking the green carpet. I actually have ordered a green carpet for us. It’s 40 feet long for them to do it, and so I don’t know that we’ll say everyone’s names. We would be there for three hours because you have to think about how long it takes us to get through the real graduation,” said Payne.
At FC, seniors are limited in being able to show their pride in their accomplishments unless they are involved in athletics. Having FC bring this new tradition is an example of having more inclusivity within the school.
“We haven’t done it here at FC, I have seen it done at other schools, and it’s one of the students’ favorite days. You get to think athletics have signing days where they come in and the coach comes in and they take their picture. That’s on such a small scale, and we want kind of the same theme, but for the whole senior class,” said Payne.
Overall, many students can become role models for each other, and people anticipating the upcoming year are able to be influenced and inspired. During big changes, it’s hard to navigate them so having a set time to reflect is a significant aid for the future.
“I hope that they love the opportunity to see where everyone else is going. I hope the underclassmen are excited because it’s what you look forward to. It’s kind of like if an underclassman went to graduation, you look at that and you think, ‘Oh, that’s going to be me. ’ We’re hoping it’s kind of the same thing,” said Payne.“So it’s also just a way for all students to feel celebrated for their hard work and what’s next and for their dreams and goals.”