The sun has risen on the class of 2026’s final year at Windward. Amidst immense studying and essay writing, the seniors have created many moments of fun.  

In late August, the class voyaged to Santa Barbara for the senior retreat. During communal meals, leadership activities, and fun games, the senior class bonded, finding new friendships and growing existing ones. 

Said Juliette Hoeber ‘26: “On the retreat I really got to know my classmates beyond a surface level. And now, back on campus, I see all these people who I have known for six years and for the first time, we get to have real genuine conversations.”

Many students seem to agree that this time allowed them to get to know their classmates on a deeper level. 

Daley Hartnack ‘26 notes, “I liked the time in between activities too. It gave me the opportunity to get closer with people I wasn’t as close with before. At school we are always busy and it is easy to just stay with your friends. On the retreat the free moments gave us space to sit around the cabins and actually get to know people.” 

Griffin Brown agrees, saying that he specifically loved the moment where the whole grade came together, literally connecting the class with yarn, and sharing Windward memories.

After three days of roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs, the group returned home, and prepared for their last first day. The seniors reflect fondly on their participation in long awaited traditions such as dressing up on the first day of school. 

“Everyone wore dresses and we were able to take a lot of photos with the senior backdrops. It was nice to have a visual aspect to point to and say ‘these are the seniors.’ It was a moment where it hit me, this is our class, and this is the last time we are all going to be here, together like this.” – Mia Smelkinson ‘26

In line with another tradition, the senior prefects planned an early morning outing for the group. Senior sunrise is an exciting and exhausting event that the senior class looks forward to every year. At 6:00 am, the senior class gathered at the Santa Monica beach to watch the sunrise. 

Senior prefect Tommy Walkins described the importance of the event for class bonding: “I think spending time with people I don’t usually spend time with has been super cool and I love giving others that same opportunity.”

That morning the grade shared donuts, laughs, a beautiful sunrise, and many photos with “Senior Sunrise” signs.

Prefect Jonah Nathonson remarked, “It was really exciting getting to work with other students and connect the whole grade. We have never had a non-school related event where just the students attend. It was nice to see that we all genuinely want to show up for each other and be there for these last moments together.”

Although the year is flying by, there are many more events, senior surprises, and moments of joy for the senior class to look forward to!