Sunrise tradition marks last first day of school for Moniteau seniors
Moniteau School District Class of 2026 students sat in lawn chairs enjoying the early sunrise and each other’s company in the parking lot before their last first day of school Monday, Aug. 25.
The students gathered at the edge of the Moniteau Jr./Sr. High School parking lot for a senior class picture as part of the “senior sunrise” tradition. While some students were excited to begin their final year with their best friends, others were more sentimental.
“I think it’s crazy. It’s the last time we’re all together,” senior Riley Ealy said.
The class has plenty they’re looking forward to this year with sports, fundraisers and a senior trip to New York City near the end of April.
“We got a lot of big plans,” class President Kameron Hershey said. “I think we have a really good grade, so I think we’re going to try to make this a good last year.”
Hershey, a future history major, said the seniors plan to squeeze one last gritty season out of their sports teams — especially football, baseball and basketball.
“We’re planning to take off in sports this year,” Hershey said.
The seniors will have until their projected June 5 graduation to soak in the last of their high school experience.
“It goes by very fast,” senior MaKenna Hilliard said.
