The class of 2025 anticipates their future as the day of graduation nears, officially casting them into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. As May 7, their last day of school, approaches, seniors grow excited about no longer attending a seven-hour school day, while freshmen through juniors envy their early release.

Seniors experience a flood of emotions as they prepare for life after high school—living without constant authority figures like guardians or teachers, moving away from home, and becoming the “new kid” while trying to make friends again, whether they are going to college or joining the military.

“I am mixed on my emotions,” senior varsity choir singer Emma Spencer said. “I am excited for summer and college, but bittersweet about leaving my friends and family.”

For some, leaving the people they grew up with is difficult, but beginning another chapter in life with new friends is full of emotions.

“It is very exciting but overwhelming,” senior Trinity Stewart said.

Some juniors claim senioritis as they plan to graduate a year early, provided they have enough credits.

The four- or three-year ride through high school is full of anxiety, homework, and a rigorous schedule, leading some students to cut it short and begin their journey into the real world.

“I decided to graduate early mostly because I want to start my life after high school,” junior Kalel Bales said. “I’ve always been raised to not really look at the bad stuff in the present and look for the good stuff in your future.”

Looking towards the future is a scary reality that some may be hesitant to confront, but they will have to, whether at the expected time or earlier. While many graduates are going off to college, some will serve their country, while others will go straight into the workforce.

“I decided to graduate early to be able to help my family financially,” junior former soccer player Keven Bahena Arriola said.

While students reflect on their time in high school, even teachers are reminiscing about the years spent with the class of 2025 as the last day nears.

Some teachers will also have to say goodbye to their own children when the class graduates.

“My favorite part of the class of 2025 is my daughter,” English and history teacher Ashley Bignell said. “She’s always been extremely independent and hardworking, so it means a lot to me to be able to see her successes in real time and be here to celebrate them with her.”

Some teachers want the best for their students, even if it sometimes doesn’t seem like it.

“A student that makes a positive impact is a student that is hard to forget,” wrestling coach and psychology teacher Ben Wilcox said.

Many teachers feel proud of seeing their students have successful lives and fulfill their dreams, hoping they become who they believe they can be.

“I want my students to become good people, be active in their community, whether that’s here in Fremont or wherever they’ve moved on to, and to be successful by their own definition,” Bignell said.

Many students struggle with entering a new school in their own way, dealing with personal problems while trying to figure out the new building and fitting in.

“I always love seeing the transformation from timid freshmen to confident seniors,” Bignell said.

Graduation shows the accomplishments students made throughout their school career. Walking across the stage brings a mix of anxiety, fear, and overall excitement.

“You only get to graduate high school once,” Bales said. “I want it to be memorable.”