End of the school year a bittersweet milestone for Niwot seniors

The environment at Niwot High School transforms during the weeks leading up to May 15, the last day of school for seniors.

Underclassmen remain focused on finals while seniors direct their attention toward the end of their high school experience.

The Class of 2025 has planned several graduation events, which will reach their peak at Senior Sunset on the final school day May 22.

During graduation weeks, seniors follow established traditions that lead up to their big day. The Senior Grad Walk ranks among the most popular events, bringing graduates back to Niwot Elementary School, the starting point of their academic journey for many. Dressed in caps and gowns, seniors walk through the school hallways while elementary students watch with admiration. The tradition provides inspiration to younger students and emotional significance to graduating seniors.

In the time leading up to graduation, the Class of 2025 has also been honored with yard signs displayed throughout the Niwot community. These signs serve as public recognition of high school graduates and highlight the achievements of the class.

Although the end of the school year comes earlier for seniors than for other students, many still return to campus for exams and final obligations. Seniors experience a unique period after completing regular coursework while maintaining their connection to the school until graduation day.

The final event for graduates prior to their graduation ceremony is Senior Sunset on May 22. Seniors will gather on the football field to watch the sun set, symbolizing the end of their high school experience. During Senior Sunset, students typically bring blankets and outdoor chairs, take photos, listen to music, and reflect on their years at Niwot.

“Graduation serves as the beginning of complete academic freedom,” said Gabriella Witzel, a Niwot High School senior and IB diploma student. “The lack of bells and a reliable routine makes a sense of uncertainty for me. I appreciate the IB program because it forced me to make effective time management skills and taught me to handle heavy assignments. Thanks to my teachers, I feel really prepared for college.”

Underclassmen, especially those who will miss their senior friends, also find deep meaning at the end of the year. “It kind of makes me sad, watching my friends finally leave,” said freshman Lily Haggerty. “The seniors that took me in have become a big part of my life since I started here, and now they’re moving to different places without me. The idea of going to school without them feels daunting.”

While graduation ceremonies on May 24 will officially conclude the Class of 2025’s time at Niwot High School, seniors are finishing finals and looking forward to Senior Sunset to gather as a class, reflect on shared memories, and say goodbye before beginning the next chapter of their lives.