As the Class of 2026’s clock begins to wind down, their calendars certainly don’t, where numerous events are about to take place to celebrate and honor the completion of the class’ journey together. These events include Senior Awards, Senior Sunset, Baccalaureate, Senior Breakfast, Senior Walk, Graduation Practice, and finally, the Graduation Ceremony.
Given the expansive number of events, a question often arises: What exactly are each of these events and what are the details that everyone should know?
Recently, Harlem’s Journalism Program sent out a survey to the Senior Class to gather data on the upcoming events in regards to which ones hold the most excitement for the class, and which events they’d like to know more about. Along with that, Seniors had the opportunity to expand on their thoughts and excitements as their time at Harlem concludes.
“I am excited about these events because they feel like such big milestones for senior year,” said Selena Rodriguez (12).
Senior Awards Night
This year’s Senior Awards Night takes place on Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm in the Auditorium. This event is the first of many to come, where it is unique in the sense that it is an invite-only event, where over a hundred seniors each year get recognized for winning scholarships and academic awards.
“Each department in the school like the science, social studies, english department, all of them give out their own awards throughout each department and then they pick students… There’s also scholarships that students apply for. Those students get given to me and then any other awards outside of it except for athletics, the only thing we acknowledge for athletics is scholar athletics.”
The event is not mandatory, but students are encouraged to attend dresses in business casual attire. Families are also invited to celebrate alongside seniors as awards and recognitions are presented throughout the evening.
Senior Sunset
Another memorable event seniors look forward to is Senior Sunset, which takes place in the football stadium. The event gives students a change to spend one final evening together before graduation festivities begin to close out the year.
“Well, it’s just another event for you guys to get together, hang out for a couple hours, play games, eat food, and have fun,” said Mrs. Zanoni, “They usually end the night with a firework show.”
Activities include games, bag tournaments, food, and music. If weather becomes an issue the event will move indoors, though fireworks plans may change depending on conditions. RSVP forms are required so organizers can prepare enough food and supplies.
“I think the senior sunset is a nice way to end the year, it seems as if the sunset represents the end of my high school career. And that when it rises again it’ll be a new day, possibly meaning you need to be a new person. Not everything will be done for you, not everything will be as easy as it was, but no matter the difficulty. The sun will always set and rise the same time every day,” said Xander Ward.
Senior Breakfast and Senior Walk
Senior Breakfast and Senior Walk will both take place on Thursday, May 21 Breakfast begins at 8:15 a.m. in the commos, where students can gather for donuts, breakfast sandwiches and drinks before the day officially begins.
“They’ll start here and then go around to the elementary schools and middle schools.” Mrs. Zanoni says when talking about the plan for senior walk, Zanoni also mentions the dress code saying, “I would wear comfortable shoes, and then just something easy for you to get on and off the bus with, cause it’s gonna go fast. You’re gonna get off, literally walk through the school, get back on.”
Student Selena Rodrigues (12) says, “Senior walk is something I have waited for since freshman year, I have so many friends and family that go to many different schools and getting to see them before graduation is a special thing.”
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is another tradition many seniors may not know much about. Organized by the senior class, the events is a more intimate service where students wear their caps and gowns while hearing speeches and reflections from classmates and guest speakers.
“It’s kind of an intimate service,” Mrs. Zanoni explained. “You guys find your speakers, there’s usually a pastor who does a prayer and speech, and afterward there’s a reception with refreshments.”
Unlike some events, Baccalaureate does not require an RSVP, and seniors may invite as many family members and friends as they would like to attend.
Graduation
The final and biggest event of the year is Graduation, which takes place at the BMO Center in Rockford at 10 a.m. Seniors must arrive by 9 a.m. for lineup and final instructions before the ceremony begins.
“There’s plenty of staff there to help everybody find where they need to stand and line up before you march out,” Mrs. Zanoni said, “Once we get rolling with names across the stage, it goes really fast.”
Graduation rehearsal is mandatory and helps students learn seating arrangements and procession order ahead of the ceremony. Families may attend for free, though parking in the garage may cost around $10.
“The graduation ceremony is full of all my friends and people from my graduating class that I have grown up with side by side,” Rodriguez said, “It’s an honor to share the special moment of moving forward with them and getting to see so many of them walk the stage as I will.”
As the class of 2026 prepares to turn the page to a new chapter, each event serves as another opportunity to celebrate friendships, memories, and accomplishments made throughout their years at Harlem High School.
