The end of the school year has flown by and with that for seniors comes not just the end of another school year, but the end of their childhood and complete K-12 school experience. Things like Senior Prom and graduation mark this memorable milestone in a student’s life and transition to the next chapter.
Friday, May 9 was one of the very last big events for the Class of 2025-their senior prom. It was night to dress up and enjoy music with classmates as they reflected on their high school journey and made a few more unforgettable memories before moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
Prom is a time when many students feel a sense of pride and nostalgia, especially seniors who are preparing to graduate. From getting dressed up to taking photos and sharing laughs on the dance floor, prom is about more than just a party—it’s about making memories that mark the end of one chapter and the start of something new.
With senior prom now behind them and their final last days of school in the halls of KHS, the last moment awaits them this Thursday, June 5 at graduation at 2pm at Towson University. This class has navigated possibly more high school transitions and changes than any class before them. They began their high school experience the year we came back into the buildings full time after the pandemic closures in 2021-2022 so without a last typical year of middle school behind them it was a abrupt transition.
They have also seen three different principals in their four years here. They started with Mr. Brian Powell but when he left after their sophomore year, they had Mr. Carl Armstong for a year, before Ms. Kate Smith returned to the nest for their senior year. KHS senior, Chiderah R. wished they could have had Ms. Smith all four years and wonders if it would have made their high school experience a little smoother than it was. “I love the new principal… [I] think if we had [her] from the start, it wouldn’t have been as difficult for a lot of students, including me,” Chiderah shares.
As if entering high school at the end of a pandemic and experiencing three administrative changes wasn’t challenging enough, this year’s seniors also had to withstand the test of BCPS’ s updated grading policy. The modification created half-credits for semesters, compared to the previous 1 full-credit per full year course. This raised the minimum requirements for students to receive full credit, which in the long-term teachers believe will be a positive thing, but some seniors found it ” a really a huge inconvenience. It caused a lot of confusion and frustration.”
Some struggled with the change while others weren’t too worried about it. Come Friday, May 23 all those that made met their requirements to graduate, started a new tradition by walking through the halls as a class in their cap and gowns one last time as their teachers and underclassmen lined the halls to cheer them on in their journey through the building one last time.
So many look forward to this moment, excited for what’s next or some just ready to be finished with school. Others too are a little sad to leave this first chapter of their life story behind. Senior Chiderah R adds, “I do think this is truly a good school and will miss it.” Her optimistic attitude after facing challenges highlights the determination of Kenwood students.
Thursday afternoon at Towson University will the last chance to wish the Class of 2025 well on their journey in to the future. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
