In their final days as Jags, the class of 2026 prepared to walk out of the halls for the final time, marking the end of their high school chapters and the beginning of their next. For many seniors, the final weeks of school included reflections on friendships, accomplishments and memories  from their high school years as graduation approaches. While graduation often symbolizes achievement and growth, it also represents the closing of routines, friendships and moments that once felt permanent. 

“Senior year went by A LOT faster than I thought it would,” Natalie Klobnak ‘26 said. “The days felt very long but looking back, it really wasn’t that long. I definitely took the time with my friends for granted and now I’m really sentimental about the last few events and last summer I get to spend with them.” 

Throughout the school year, seniors participated in athletics, academics, leadership programs, and school traditions across campus. The Class of 2026 was involved in events ranging from spirit weeks and school activities to playoff runs and college athletic commitments. 

One of the notable accomplishments came through athletics, where 38 Rock Canyon seniors committed to continue playing sports at the college level. Several seniors also received major recognition for their performances throughout the year, including Logan Cary ‘26, who earned Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball. As graduation approaches, many student-athletes are already looking ahead to the transition into college athletics and the challenges that come with it.

“College volleyball will definitely have a lot of independence,” Cary said. “There’s gonna be a lot more hard work that I’ll have to put into it. It’s still the same sport, so it won’t be too different. It’s just gonna be more intense.”

Along with individual accomplishments, the school year also included one of the most memorable athletic moments in recent school history when the boys’ basketball team won the state championship March 14.. 

“I would say my favorite high school memory was being a part of the state when the boys basketball team won the championship,” Bennett Goodwin ‘26 said. “I spent the whole season as the player-manager, but during the playoffs, I wasn’t allowed to sit on the bench. I sat with the Golden Boys for the run, and it felt really good when we won.”

Beyond athletics and accomplishments, many seniors say the relationships they built throughout high school are what they will remember the most after graduation. Seniors often found mentorship and support through teachers, coaches and advisors who played influential roles throughout their high school experiences. 

“I’m going to definitely remember my Criminal Justice teacher, Mr. Paul; he wasn’t just a teacher to me, but a friend,” Dallin Littlejohn ‘26 said. “He tried finding the best ways for me to learn and tried helping me in as many ways as possible.” 

Younger students also looked up to them throughout the years, which helped shape their friendships and memories. 

“This senior class has been the most impactful group of people for me because I have truly met some of my best friends this year, getting to know them,” Tatum Levering ‘27 said. “I’ll definitely feel sad when they’re gone, but I’m excited to finally experience being a senior myself.” 

Although many seniors may be excited for college, careers and new opportunities after high school, the final weeks of the school year have been filled with traditions such as handprints, the moving up assembly and the clapout at their elementary schools. As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, some seniors leave behind memories, accomplishments and friendships that help shape this school year and the Rock Canyon Jaguars. 

“My favorite memory was definitely Wish Week because we raised our record and made so many wishes come true,” Trinity Carroll ‘26 said. “My thoughts on the assembly were by far not what I was expecting. It was far more emotional realizing how far my class and I have come, but also exciting for a new future and to leave RC and let the new class come in.”