By Kayla Edwards and Lucia Gabriel

As graduation approaches, seniors at Ponte Vedra High School are looking back on the friendships, challenges, and turning points that shaped their high school years. Whether it was winning a big race, performing on stage, or simply growing through tough times, these memories represent a time of transformation and a moment in life they’ll never forget. 

As seniors in high school are reflecting on their journeys from the past four years, with their graduation slowly approaching, they share both their admirable and challenging moments. They highlight the importance of friendships, personal growth, and the pressures that come with getting ready for the future. 

Daisy Ross, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, shared that her favorite memory was centered on her regional track meet during her junior year. 

“My favorite moment was when Lindy White, Hilaree Vega, Sofia Bushkel, and I all swept in our 3200 race, placing 1-4. It was truly a very fun experience to run with some of my favorite teammates,” said Ross. She explained that it was more than just the race that stood out, but also being with her friends and sharing their successes. 

“These girls are some of my real true friends, as well as amazing teammates.” 

It was one of the last times they raced together, which made it extra special. “It stands out to me because we started strong as a team and finished even stronger,” said Ross. 

Ross shared that a critical moment during high school for her was not a specific event, but rather a mindset change, saying, “I believe a big turning point in my high school year was when I was a junior. It was less of a specific event and more of a mindset change.” 

She explained that she and her friends suddenly became extremely diligent with schoolwork, saying, “Most of our conversations were now about classes and what to do for college applications and ACT/SAT Preparation, instead of beach outings or other extracurricular activities. We became more focused.” 

“As we go our separate ways, I’m going to miss those small little moments with the people I have met and connected with along the way. The absurdity, the fun, the sincerity and the sweetness of my time at Ponte Vedra High School.” 

Daisy ross (12)

On the other hand, Ross also reflected on her least favorite moments. She explained that as she persevered through her academic pressure and preparing for college applications, she became increasingly stressed out. Ross mentioned the shift in priorities as a challenge, highlighting the struggle to balance fun and responsibility during this important year. 

“I will miss, out of all the memories I made, such as my first ever freshmen fest, to my sophomore homecoming, to my junior year theatre states competition, to New Balance Indoor Track Nationals, I will miss my friends,” said Ross. 

“As we go our separate ways, I’m going to miss those small little moments with the people I have met and connected with along the way.” 

Ross added, “The absurdity, the fun, the sincerity, and the sweetness of my time at Ponte Vedra High School.” 

As graduation approaches, these reflections showcase the blend of joy and challenges that define the high school experience, leaving students with lasting memories and valuable lessons as they step into the future. 

Other seniors shared similar sentiments. 

Ava Harp reflected on how friendships shaped her time at PVHS: 

“My favorite moment in high school was making all the friendships that I did. This stood out to me because without these connections I wouldn’t have met the people that have shaped my high school experience into something so meaningful and memorable.” 

She also explained the importance of extracurricular activities. 

“Extracurricular activities have provided me along with many students with the opportunity to grow and watch ourselves succeed through these extracurriculars and share our passions with likeminded peers.” 

Harp said she wouldn’t change a thing. 

“I couldn’t imagine my experience any other way and even with it coming to an end, I was given endless memories that I will forever have with me while I begin a new chapter.” 

Her advice to freshmen? 

“Go into high school with a good head on your shoulders and just have fun. Try new things, be safe, make friends, and take this time to find who you really want to become and surround yourself with likeminded people.” 

Leighton Knarr’s favorite moment came from her freshman year theater performance. 

“My favorite memory in high school was being in Kiss Me Kate freshman year because that’s when I made lifelong friends and found people who I had so much in common with.” 

She said a major turning point came during her junior year. 

“I got seriously motivated for school work because I knew there were changes that were going to have to be made.” 

Still, it wasn’t always easy: 

“My least favorite moment in high school was when I was unmotivated in school and I was constantly being punished by my parents for my grades.” 

Like Ava, Leighton said extracurriculars defined her high school experience. 

“I did theatre and made a majority of my friends throughout my whole high school experience in theatre.” 

Looking back, she wishes she had taken more time to enjoy it. 

“If I could change one thing, it would be to go back and tell my freshman self to enjoy the little moments and not rush through the years.” 

Her advice for underclassmen: 

“The four years of being a high schooler fly by. I feel like I should still be in 8th grade and here I am about to graduate.” 

Knarr also reflected on the school environment, pointing out areas for improvement. 

“The environment at PVHS isn’t the best. People are judgmental everywhere, the rules keep getting stricter every year for silly things, people are discriminatory and disrespectful if you have any differences about yourself.” 

She added, “The students often feel entitled and it just isn’t a very welcoming environment always.” 

Even so, she said she’ll miss the routine. 

“I will most miss my friends that I’ve made and just seeing everyone every day and my favorite teachers… I think PVHS is just something I have gotten so used to that it’s hard to say goodbye to it and my friends.” 

Through every race, rehearsal, friendship, and setback, seniors at Ponte Vedra High School are walking away with stories to tell. As they step into the next chapter, they leave behind a place full of memories—each one shaped by the laughter, growth, and lessons of high school. 

Graphic by Ryder Navarra