After a long year full of accomplishments, challenges and growth, CavsConnect seniors are closing their chapter in the publication, looking ahead for their next adventures beyond room 9221. To commemorate their accomplishments and look back on their memories made during their time in CavsConnect, the underclassmen held a senior celebration, an annual tradition that celebrates graduating staff and editors while reflecting on their time in the CAF&DM program. The senior celebration is a party defined by reflection, gratitude and the friendships that flourished along the way for these seniors.

“Leaving CavsConnect after being in the publication for three years is definitely a very bittersweet moment for me. Over these past few years, CavsConnect has truly helped me discover my passion for journalism. Thanks to this class, I’ve been able improve my Features storytelling skills and offer our writers guidance. But most importantly, I’m leaving this class with newfound friendships and hopefully inspiring our staff for next year, and to me that’s the most important thing,” senior Gianna Figueroa said.

The senior celebration, organized each year by junior members with the guidance of CavsConnect advisor Ms. Passwaters, focuses on recognizing the contributions and accomplishments the seniors have made while being in the publication. This year, the celebration introduced a new tradition; starting a big and little gift surprise planned two months ahead of the celebration. The senior celebration was made extra special this year, as the underclassmen were given the freedom of picking their gifts for their senior after receiving gifts from the seniors in the beginning of the school year.

The underclassmen, known as the “littles,” prepared small clear pouches filled with personalized items for their senior “bigs.” The gifts, often including snacks, mini makeup products or gift cards were distributed to the seniors the day of the celebration. The seniors also received a bigger bag generously provided by Ms. Passwaters, which included Cavalier themed mints and Gables alumni shirts. The gesture, though simple, highlighted the close bonds formed between the bigs and littles and the relationship they have developed throughout the year.

“Being on both the softball team and CavsConnect with my big was assuring as I stepped into new activities because I always knew I had someone in my corner in new environments. We were able to bond over shared interests in both areas, and having her as my big became more than just a CavsConnect title. I’m sad that [Gloria] is leaving so soon because since I am a freshman and she is a senior, we didn’t have as much time in school together as I would’ve liked. However, she assured me she’d visit, so I can’t wait to see her pass by every once in a while as I get older,” freshman Jazlyn Vazquezbello said.

The day of the celebration, students walked into their class decorated with bold red balloons, red themed decorations and superlative sashes displayed across the walls. Staff members got settled into their seats, gathering and socializing with their friends before beginning the party, starting off with food.

The staff were treated to catered food and sweet treats from Publix before distributing the superlatives. After enjoying their meal and spending time with friends and classmates, it was time to officially begin the celebration.

Following the meal, the celebration officially began with the distribution of superlative sashes, a long-standing CavsConnect tradition. Rising Editor-in-Chiefs Luke Savage and Lucas Buch alongside rising Managing Editor Santiago Rodriguez announced each superlative, handing out sashes to each member of the class. The titles, voted on by the class, recognized individual habits and contributions to the publication with superlatives such as “Canva Queen” and “Best Laugh.” Reactions ranged from laughter to surprise as students posed for photos and celebrated one another.

“The hardest part about leaving CavsConnect is the friendships and connections I have made over the last four years. Although most of my friends are going to the same college as me, there is something so hard and bittersweet about leaving this class behind and how much we have all grown up,” senior Paz Chico said.

Shortly after the superlatives were handed out, the focus of the celebration turned toward a more heartfelt moment as the littles stepped forward to present the pouches they had assembled for their bigs, along with the larger gift bags that included the CavsConnect alumni shirts.

One by one, many littles delivered short, heartfelt speeches expressing gratitude for the guidance, patience and support their bigs had shown them throughout the year before handing them their gifts. They also wished them luck as they prepared to leave for college and begin a new chapter beyond CavsConnect. The speeches moved some seniors to tears, reflecting just how difficult it was to let go of a class that had become such a defining part of their high school experience.

Once the final gift had been given, Ms. Passwaters addressed the seniors with her own words, offering a speech to the seniors she has worked with throughout the year, some for four years. She spoke about her appreciation for their dedication, their creativity and the energy they brought into the classroom each day, emphasizing how each of them had left a lasting impact on the program in their own ways.

“Coming in as a media member, I was already knowledged on media aspects like videos or social media, but my big Laura.. she just taught me so much that has helped me grow my skills over this year. I grew really close to her, because even outside of media we had so much in common and we have that same love and passion for media. She did such a great job as social media editor and I am beyond honored to follow her lead and make her proud,” junior Sofia Perez-Quinones said.

While their time on staff has come to a close, the influence they have made on the publication, and on those they worked alongside will remain long after graduation. The senior celebration offered a final moment of reunion as a publication to recognize the years of work, growth and connection built within CavsConnect. As this group moves on to their next journeys, they leave behind a staff ready to follow their influential lead and example as strong student journalists.