RING RING RING. Bailey Onifer’s alarm clock went off early on August 26, signaling the start of her senior year. Senior year is all about making memories and embracing every moment. It often marks the Last of every first experience in your high school career.
Bittersweet is the perfect word to describe many seniors’ feelings going into the final year. “I am excited to spend my last year in high school with my best friends and enjoy time with them, but I am also sad for all of the ‘lasts’,” shared Bailey.
But the first part of senior year started at Latrobe Memorial Stadium before the year began. Many excited teenagers filled the den while the seniors stepped into the front row. From football games and other sporting events, the seniors were cherishing every last moment. “My favorite part of being in the den is cheering and just having fun with my friends. It makes me happy being able to enjoy the time together,” said Bailey.
Another rite of passage for Bailey is her last time stepping on the court for the first volleyball game of a season. Volleyball has been a passion of Bailey’s for as long as she can remember. She is an outside hitter and is named captain for her senior year. “It felt surreal that I was the senior captain in charge now, but it also made me so excited for the season my team and I are going to have.”
The team and Bailey have been off to a great start and are looking forward to a good final season. “My last first game was so bittersweet. It was at home, and I remember me and the seniors had a talk in the locker room before the game. It hit us that we only had two more months playing the sport we have been playing our whole lives with our best friends. Again, we have high hopes and lots of opportunity this season, so it made us excited, but also sad about closing
this chapter in our lives,” said Onifer.
The senior sunrise allowed seniors to embrace the beginning of a beautiful year. Bailey attended with her friends and was nothing but smiles the whole time. She happily celebrated the moment, making it a special morning. “I love symbolizing the start of senior year with all my friends and my whole senior class,” stated Onifer.
And this isn’t the end yet. Bailey will have many more moments and memories to fondly look back on. She is cherishing every first and embracing every last this year will bring.
