Graduation is a season of change for the seniors. A time to change where thy called home for years and venture off in the world beyond Norwin High. Lots of changes occur every spring. Norwin High experienced many changes this year.
One change is due to the ongoing stadium construction, and graduation will take place in the school gymnasium on Friday, May 22. Graduation is one of the many events and activities that have had to adapt to the stadium construction, and the seniors have adapted well to these changes, making the best of it.
Leaving high school means leaving behind the life that you lived for four years. Many seniors have made last connections to the school and friends they’ve made over the last dozen years.
“One thing that I will miss the most after graduation is seeing my friends every single day,” said senior Sophia Tokay. “I am so used to just seeing them in classes, in the halls, or at lunch, so it will be a culture shock whenever we all end up miles apart for college…I want these connections to last a lifetime.”
Although the last few weeks are especially packed with senior events, the entire school year is full of ‘lasts’ for seniors. Student Council plays a large part in planning events such as Homecoming and the Senior Breakfast, which hold lasting memories as people graduate and move forward from high school. These events serve as time away from college applications, studying, and the stress of the future that seniors can spend with their classmates outside of the normal classroom setting.
However, the big events at Norwin High School, including Homecoming, Snoball, and Prom could not be done without the hard work of many students. Students, such as Student Council President Tyler Patrick who overcome the stress of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and work, to ensure that their peers create lasting memories of Norwin High School.
“Serving as the Student Council President has been an honor,” said Patrick. “The position taught me that staying consistent and responsible when in a leadership role is crucial for success. The legacy I worked to leave behind was a council of young leaders who enjoy serving their community and creating a school environment where all students feel included.” 
As the Class of 2026 says goodbye to the classrooms in Norwin High School, one teacher will also be saying goodbye. At the end of the school year, Mr. Oestreich will be retiring.
“What really sticks with me throughout my career is when I meet former students, and they express their appreciation for what I shared with them when they were in high school,” Oestreich said. “I love to see all the super successful people and to know that I was a small part of their journey.”
The last two weeks of school for the seniors are filled with many activities and preparations leading up to graduation. Friday, May 8 kicks off the senior week with the mock accident put on by the Students Against Destructive Decisions, done every year before prom. The mock accident is done to serve as a reminder of the terrible consequences that driving under the influence can cause.
After the mock accident, seniors had cap and gown distribution. Seniors got a glimpse of what it would be like to walk across the stage on the 22. Following the cap and gown distribution was the Yearbook Senior Superlatives and the Knight Krier senior video.
That same afternoon, seniors also got to experience a movie day in the newly renovated auditorium. The senior class won the class office food drive, so their reward was the movie day.
“Graduating has been very bittersweet, especially recently, with our last lacrosse game. The realization has finally set in that I am almost done with high school, and I will not be back here to see the same people next year,” said Ashton Hardy. “The fear that friendships may not continue and the unknown that we all are venturing into feels like a new beginning, but I am hopeful that I, along with my peers with make good decisions and take this as a stepping stone into a bright future.”
Although Friday the 8th was an eventful day for seniors, Saturday, May 9th, was even more special. It was Norwin’s 2026 Prom. The students put on their best outfits and danced the night away. Students enjoyed the evening at the Core Event Center in North Huntingdon.
Prom Quote from student
After prom, seniors face their last week of high school. On Monday and Tuesday, seniors did not have to come into school until after Keystone testing. Seniors enjoyed their few extra hours of sleep and enjoyed the shortened day of school. Seniors also studied and took some of their final tests and exams in high school. The seniors felt a breath of fresh air as they finished up their final tests.
Friday, May 15, is the last day for seniors. Seniors enjoyed their senior breakfast, took one last class photo together, and then went back to where it all started. The last thing students do before they leave the Norwin classrooms for good is return to their elementary schools for the elementary parade.
The final week of school is always bittersweet for seniors. They are excited for the future, but also sad to say goodbye to everything.
The week after seniors’ last day of school is reserved for all things graduation-related. On Tuesday, May 19, seniors attend the Vespers Ceremony at 7:oo P.M in the auditorium.
Several students speak at Vespers, including Shae Sida. Vespers is a smaller more intimate ceremony complete with speeches, songs, and prayers. 
“Being chosen to speak at Vespers means more to me than simply having the opportunity to stand behind a podium,” said Sida. “High school is often reduced to achievements, grades, awards, and tests, but what I will remember most are the quieter things—the conversations that changed my perspective, the teachers who saw potential in me and allowed it to flourish, and the realization that growth is less about becoming someone entirely new but more about understanding who you already are.”
After vespers, the Senior Honors and Awards Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, May 20. Seniors who won awards or scholarships will be announced and recognized at the ceremony.
Catalina Garzon will give the main address at graduation.
“Over the past four years, I have learned many things, but the most important lesson has been the importance of believing in oneself,” said Garzon. “Advocate for what you want, invest in your goals, and seek out teachers and peers who you know will support you throughout your journey.”
“During my four years as class president, I have had the opportunity to have such a great time here at Norwin, meet so many people, and be an active member of the community,” said four-year Class President Joe Cramer. “I want every one of my classmates to go out into the world and strive to be the best version of themselves. They should chase their passions and not be afraid to fail.”
Although this is a season of change, Norwin seniors are ready to take on the world!
