Shorecrest Senior Traditions 

Being a senior is exciting, challenging and nostalgic. Being a Shorecrest senior is all of those things -- plus a year full of traditions and memories to last a lifetime. Many Shorecrest seniors have been here since PK. That’s 15 years at one school and now they are finally able to partake in all of the Shorecrest Senior Traditions.

Jimmy Schmidt ‘26 summed it up nicely: “One major difference about being a senior at Shorecrest is the many traditions we get to experience. Events such as Senior Sunrise, shuffleboard and Food Fridays are really great bonding experiences and ways to make our last year truly memorable.”

Before their final year at Shorecrest even begins, seniors are invited to a Parking Lot Painting Party. Creative artwork, characters, nicknames, and other unique designs adorn parking bumpers in designated parking areas – all done by our seniors. 

Another favorite tradition for Shorecrest Seniors is the ability to go off campus during the school day. “One of my favorite perks is definitely having the opportunity to go off campus during lunch and our free periods and sleep in when we have a free period in the morning,” shared Jasper Hallock-Wishner ’26. “This is because of the expected and understandable difference between freshman and senior year. A lot of teachers and faculty treat us like adults, and well that's because we are. This perk and ability to show our maturity to faculty is something truly great.”

One morning each fall, seniors rouse themselves extra early in order to gather together on the football field for Senior Sunrise. In the spring, they will gather one evening to share Senior Sunset. “I absolutely loved Senior Sunrise and cannot wait for Senior Sunset,” shared Phoebe Pritchard ‘26. “It's such a great opportunity to see my friends and spend time with my class. Shorecrest has a greater sense of community than most schools. I'm going to miss everyone when I leave.” 

In May, once seniors have chosen the college they are going to attend, they proudly wear their new college shirts, colors, jerseys, etc. for College Decision Day and the Senior Send-Off Lunch. There is a photoshoot and a special celebration, sponsored by the Alumni Association. Seniors also receive their first Shorecrest Alumni T-shirt, as a reminder that they will always be Chargers. 

“I am really excited about College Decision Day. I remember last year, I saw one of my friends come in with a completely different college shirt than what I was expecting, since they changed their decision at the last second,” shared Betty Li ‘26. “I am really excited to know where I'm going and representing my future college, since we've all been working for this and looking forward to it for four years. It's going to be fun seeing where everyone in our grade is going and getting some surprises along the way.” 

The Senior Celebration Walk is a much anticipated tradition that brings the whole Shorecrest community together. While wearing T-shirts from their future colleges, seniors walk the Shorecrest campus supported by applauding parents and the cheers of the entire faculty, staff and student body, numbering over 1,000! As they see their past teachers, younger siblings, and the campus they grew up on, leaving becomes real.

“I look forward to the Senior Walk at the end of the year,” Braden Stone ‘26 shared. “It feels good for the whole school to recognize and cheer for you, and for there to be a celebration with your classmates. I feel like it inspires younger students because they look up to the seniors and can see where they are going to college. Also, for me, the Senior Walk will feel nostalgic and cause me to reflect on how far I've come. I've gone to Shorecrest since I was three, and walking through the campus will bring great closure for me.”

Fifteen years of classes, sporting events, performances, awards, and more have led the Shorecrest Class of 2026 to where they are now. And the year isn’t over yet. They still have much to look forward to and memories to make in the last few months leading to commencement. Follow their traditions online: #Shorecrest2026