As per Coral Gables Senior High School tradition, seniors were encouraged to celebrate their rise to the top of the high school hierarchy by decorating crowns. Senior crowns allow students to display their artistic skills, interests and personalities. On the first two days of school, the seniors paraded their crown artistry to boost the morale of the Class of 2025. However, the fun did not stop there. On Aug. 23, during both lunches, seniors were invited to the auditorium to take pictures on the red carpet to celebrate their final year of high school.
“Seeing all of my classmates with the crowns made me feel nostalgic and a bit apprehensive. I feel like the red carpet event was so beautiful, but also truly represented the start of something new,” senior Michelle Hernandez said.
During the first and second blocks, the senior class sponsors, Ms. Camacho and Ms. D’alemberte, worked alongside class officers and volunteers to prepare the auditorium for the event. The officers assembled 8-foot letters that spelled out the word “seniors” and set the stage. Following that, the senior helpers did sound checks with the microphones and speakers to assist in making the event more exciting. Additionally, volunteers optimized lighting on the stage by striking red and white fluorescent lights, creating a vibrant spotlight to shine on their senior coronation.
“We started setting up as soon as possible. The hardest part was getting the big letters inside the auditorium. After that, we just needed to put everything together,” Ms. Camacho said.
Before the doors to the auditorium opened to the seniors, class officers spent the rest of their second block going through the event’s procedures to guarantee a successful program. Shortly before the bell rang at 10:33 a.m., the class officers took their designated positions around the auditorium in preparation for the incoming students.
“I loved being able to take all those pictures with my crown. I put a lot of work into it, so it was nice that I could wear it for more than just the first days of school,” senior Emma Rivera said.
Seniors made their way to the front of the auditorium during first lunch, excited for their photoshoot. Two class officers stood at the doors to advise anyone entering the building. Once inside, the seniors were welcomed with CGHS spirit, music, and photographers ready to take their photos. Some class officers were in charge of organizing a line to make the event run fluidly, while others were on stage making sure the groups of seniors were in the frame for all of their pictures. The seniors took as many pictures as they wanted to take, alongside all of their friends. After the first lunch was over, the class officers prepared the auditorium for the next wave of students that were coming next lunch.
Aside from taking pictures, seniors were allowed to spend the duration of their lunch period in the auditorium to reminisce about their past four years. Various students referred to the red carpet as their “last first event”. Seniors congregated in the lobby of the auditorium and conversed about how they made their crowns and what inspired them.
“Setting up is always so much fun in my opinion. I love working behind the scenes and seeing the looks on everyone’s faces once they witness our set up,” senior Allison D’Allincourt said.
Once second lunch was over, a few seniors returned once more to take extra photos. Afterward, class officers celebrated the completion of the event by taking a photo featuring the student council and senior class board. Then the officers spent the last block of the day taking down all of the decorations and bringing the auditorium back to its original state.
As the Class of 2025 kicks off the school year, seniors are reminded to do as much as they can during their final year of high school, making it as memorable as possible. After receiving a royal welcome, the seniors can officially take on the role of leading their fellow Cavaliers.
