Wow, Class of 2025, we actually made it! Four years, countless memories, and a whole lot of caffeine later, we're standing on the edge of adulthood, ready to take on the world. It feels like just yesterday that we were clueless freshmen trying to figure out how to open our lockers. Now, we’re here, reflecting on the late-night study sessions, nail-biting games, unforgettable performances, and friendships that have shaped us.

For some of us, high school was all about the thrill of competition. Samuel Bajt had his shining moment winning a district championship in basketball, while Carson Hein led the football team as a two-time captain, dominating the ‘Battle of the Bayou’ in both his junior and senior year. He’ll continue his football and academic career at GVSU in the fall. Gabe Trask took his love for baseball all the way to the 2024 State Finals, and Kody Vis balanced multiple sports, cross country, and tennis before finding his true passion on the golf course, where he'll continue at Hope College on the golf team. Ellie Wrona helped make school history on the girls’ basketball team, pushing them further than ever before at Regionals. “We came, we played, we conquered!” She’ll be headed to Aquinas College and will be a huge asset to their women’s

 basketball program.  

Meanwhile, others were busy making their mark in clubs, music, and academics. Grace Sara somehow managed to do it all—Drama Club, Choir, Band, Student Council, National Honors Society, and even interning at the middle school. Brody Bench took over the music scene, traveling to Disney with the marching band and a standout in AP Spanish. Mackenzie Cole set records in color guard and is headed to Michigan State to become a history teacher. Bethany Zimmerman shined in band and leadership, earning the Best Percussion award at State Finals and serving on Student Council. Elaine Troast also participated in marching and concert band all four years and plans on attending Northern Michigan to get her nursing degree.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the teachers who had our backs. Luke Roller found mentorship in Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hyde, who fueled his hunger for learning. Grace Sara thrived under Mr. Sineath’s guidance, while Carson Hein and Gabe Trask both still remember the impact of their elementary teacher, Mrs. Jettner.  Elaine Troast was challenged and thrived with her favorite teacher, Mrs. Thompson, in chemistry.

Now, as we prepare to step into the real world, our futures are taking shape. Some of us, like Luke Roller, are still exploring our paths, while others, like Brianna Kirby, Elaine Troast, and Gabe Trask, are ready to dive into the medical field.  We’re heading to places like Michigan State, the University of Michigan, Grand Valley, Northern Michigan, and Hope College. Some of us with solid plans, others are still figuring it out, but all of us carrying the memories of Spring Lake with us.

So here’s our final piece of advice to the underclassmen: Go all in. Join the club, take the class, and show up for the games. “Getting involved helps with the early detection of ‘Senioritis’,” Brody bench tells us. Senior year flies by, and before you know it, you'll be standing right where we are, wondering how time went so fast. “Enjoy every moment,” says Samuel Bajt. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” adds Grace Sara.   Perhaps the simplest yet most powerful comes from Luke Roller: “Be kind.  There’s no good reason not to be.” Take the pictures, make the memories, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Class of 2025, we did it. The next adventure starts now!