“Last first day” is a phrase that usually only applies to seniors, but Wednesday it was true for every student and staff member at Rider.
With the end of the school’s existence approaching fast, many were feeling sentimental.
However, while the day was special in many ways, it was also not unlike any other first day of school.
It still brought its usual chaos as traffic clogged the stairwells and hallways and freshmen roamed the halls anxiously looking for their classes. But even those freshmen, whose time with Rider will be limited, know the importance this year holds.
“I’m grateful I at least get to go to Rider and experience the traditions, but I’m sad I only get to enjoy it one year,” freshman Kresee Maroney said.
The main thing that feels different about this year to Maroney is knowing that she will have to learn a new school after just arriving at Rider. However, she is feeling hopeful overall.
“I feel like the first day went really well and it wasn’t nearly as stressful as I thought,” Maroney said.
Administration also felt content with how the day went overall, and is looking forward to the new school year.
“Students were positive and respectful and ready to start the day,” assistant principal Michael Forney said. “I think our teachers were in the same boat, really positive about the year ahead and the last year that Rider is going to be here.”
This good day could not have started out right without the beloved tradition of senior sunrise.
Senior class president Eddie Stewart and his fellow class officers put their all into upholding the traditional event which consisted of donuts, photo opportunities, a class banner signing and Stewart’s favorite part – the letter writing station.
“Seniors wrote letters to their end of year selves and put them in a box,” Stewart said. “I have the box locked up in a safe and I will return the letters at senior sunset.”
Preparation for the morning took many hours and began weeks ago.
“I held a class officer meeting with my team in mid-July to plan our August activities,” Stewart said. “We came up with a plan for what we wanted to do and we immediately began preparations.”
Stewart, who woke up at 4:30 a.m. to finish preparing for the event, worked hard to make it a memorable one for every senior.
“I feel that the stress of dealing with senior sunrise was so worth it,” Stewart said. “I of course could not have planned it without the help of my class officers. Each and every one went above and beyond.”
One thing in particular that made the stress worth dealing with for Stewart was experiencing the sense of community among his classmates that morning.
“It wasn’t a giant clique,” Stewart said. “There were multiple friend groups there having a good time. And that’s what this year is going to be about – making sure that all seniors are able to feel involved.”
