With graduation coming fast around the corner, the seniors’ high school career is coming to an end. As the weeks close in, a series of events await the class of 2024, bring with them comradery, celebration, and a proper farewell.
Two events out of the eight have already happened, leaving seniors with six more unforgettable memories to look forward to.
Senior Prom
On Saturday, April 27, the moment that students have been waiting for all month finally arrived. As students filled the Marriott Lincolnshire in their finest attire, they created an evening full of celebration and a cherished chapter in the history of their high school journey. The photo booths that were provided helped capture and immortalize their fun-filled night.
Decision Day
Wednesday, May 1, students showcased their school spirit not for Loyola, but for their respective colleges. Seniors walked through the doors in a rainbow of pride for their future. In the piazza during flex, cookies were provided to decorate in celebration of their commitments to college. Students decorated their cookies with sprinkles in their school colors, and they took many pictures outside on the turf.
Senior Sunset
This upcoming week on May 8, the hill will be crowded with students waiting to watch the sun set. This event will last from 7:30-8:30. At 7:30 lanterns will be handed out for seniors to write messages and send off into the night sky. At 8:00, students will be directed to let go of their lanterns, sending them to lighten up the night sky. Bring a friend and head up to the hill! This is a memory you don’t want to miss.
Polo Signing and Anything But a Backpack
Plan ahead and wear a white polo on Thursday, May 16. In your pocket keep a handful of sharpies to give out when asking people to sign your shirt. Along with a signed polo, be creative and bring your school items in anything but a backpack. Disclaimer: you cannot bring anything too big or anything alive. If you’re not sure as to what’s acceptable, ask Student Activities. During flex, head outside to enjoy Kona Ice.
Senior Tailgate, Mass, Graduation Practice, and Senior Olympics
Start off your Friday early in the morning with a Senior Tailgate in the South Lot. On May 17, show up in the lot at 6:45 with your own snacks and enjoy the sunrise as music plays and grills sizzle. Further in the day, head to the PAC for a small rundown of the day and then straight to mass for the Sending Forth Liturgy. After mass, there will be graduation practice to help prepare for the Senior Olympics. Your Senior Olympic shirt will be available for pick up on Wed, May 15, in the piazza. A reminder not to cut nor write on your respective shirts until you are outside for the Olympics. Shorts, athletic skirts, sweats, and leggings are all allowed to wear on the bottom. As we head back inside for lunch, there will be a barbecue and raffle.
Baccalaureate Mass
The mass will begin at 10:00am on Sunday, May 19. It will be located in the East Gym, and if you are not able to attend, a livestream will be available and found on Loyola’s Ramblerstream. This mass will be a celebratory event to honor and bless the class of 2024. During the mass, prayers, blessings, and readings will be offered to the students as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
Graduation
Students are expected to arrive at Northwestern University’s Welsh-Ryan Arena at 10:00am where they will then line up and receive flowers and boutonnieres. There will be free parking on both sides of the arena, so make sure to secure your spot. The procession will begin at 10:45am, and the students will walk forth into the ceremony. The event will last approximately two hours, with photos afterwards. Check the resources page for more information on what attire is acceptable and what is not.
Seniors have a lot to look forward to these upcoming weeks, classes are finalizing grades, meaning students have more time to enjoy themselves before their well-deserved graduation. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. Go forth and set the world on fire.
