Out of the classrooms and into the waves. The Class of 2026 Grad Week trip is planned to be set in Hawaii: (Damian Munoz / Stagg Online)
A long awaited moment for most graduates, a trip away from your city to spend time with your friends, seen as a definitive award for your years spent studying.
Graduation week is relatively known as one of the most important and influential moments sewn throughout your high school career. Stagg is not shy about these events, with annual planning and students regularly attending. With the year coming to a close, and Class of 2026 maturing as adults, the chosen trip will take place in Hawaii.
Class of 2026 President Alexis Garcia Cardenas said that activities are planned through wristbands that are used for “certain schemes.” These schemes can include jetski riding, parasailing, ferry riding, and more. “There’s a lot that the wristband does for the students,” Garcia Cardenas says.
Although the senior grad trip is fun and exciting, it’s not just an ordinary vacation, but rather a milestone. The freedom of being away from home along with the expectation to act maturely is what makes Grad Week a meaningful experience. For many seniors, this trip represents one of the first chances to experience independence and responsibility. “I wanna be with my friends, be able to have an outlet,” said Senior Shanniel Brookins, who views the trip as a rewarding experience after 4 years of high school.
However, there may be some obstacles. The total cost of the trip is approximately $1,600 with Class of 2026 President Alexis Garcia mentioning, “I’m scared that a few of them won’t be able to meet payment deadlines.” Others like Brookins said, “I need to get a lot of money ’cause I’m gonna spend up there,” showing how although money is an important aspect of the trip, having the correct mind set or, “mentally just putting myself in the headspace” is more important for himself.
But not everyone shares the same perspective. Adrian Jimenez, an ASB student adds he’s slightly envious but primarily sad as he will not be attending the event. “I think I would really enjoy it, but you know I can always go on my own time.” Jimenez will be spending his time at Grad Night but will save up for the Bahamas to spend time with his family instead.
Yet, through the hopes of many, there does come a solution to those facing arising financial issues. Garcia Cardenas mentions a “Down Payment” plan when it comes to affording the trip, stating, “They would only need to put a down payment of $150 and then they could pay in as many payments that they would like.”
Graduation week reflects different perspectives when coming to graduating seniors. Justlena Roeun, another senior at Stagg proposes the idea that it’s, “too expensive,” explaining, “we’re already paying too much for prom.” For some, it’s an exciting award, though for others, it’s another financial struggle. Whichever light shines upon the trip depends on the person and their thoughts. One thing remains certain, Graduation Trips are something to cherish and keep in remembrance, as future young adults brace themselves for their ensuing journeys. Class of 2026 doesn’t fall short on this, because despite their year coming to a close, their futures don’t.
