Senior Sunrise

     Cypress High School’s Class of 2026 kicked off their senior year with Senior Sunrise at Seal Beach on August 24, 2025, a tradition announced on student-led senior Instagram earlier in the month. Many seniors gathered at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise, take photos, and mark the start of their final year together.

“The early morning wake-up was tough, but the memories made were worth it…You only get one Senior Sunrise,” said Eshani Banerjee. “I wanted to attend to make memories and commemorate the beginning of our final year in high school.”

     The setting made the event stand out even more. Some seniors bundled in blankets while the sun rose over the ocean, creating a calm, relaxing mood. Others splashed in the surprisingly warm and refreshing ocean. “It was really cool because when you’re awake at 5 a.m. and driving to the beach, the world feels quiet,” Banerjee added. “I’m grateful we did it at the beach, it made it more memorable than just being at the football field.”

      Not every student found the experience as exciting. Karla Luu admitted she struggled to enjoy the event after running late. “I think it could be even more fun if there were more activities, but overall it was a great way to start senior year.” Still, Luu recognized the tradition’s value. “It’s a way to bond with your friends. I’d tell future seniors to at least try it for the experience.”

     Others, like Katie Lee, enjoyed the simplicity of the morning. “It was my first time going to the beach at sunrise, and it was really pretty,” she said. “It was chill and relaxing, and I got to hang out with people I don’t always see. I hope the rest of senior year feels like that.”

     Though students had mixed reviews of the event itself, all agreed that Senior Sunrise was more than just viewing the sunrise. As Banerjee put it, “Your final year goes by really fast, so it’s important to make as many memories as you can.”