April signifies the beginning of the end for the senior class. Countdowns have been made, invitations sent out and some have already “checked out.”
But with only three weeks left of this chapter in their lives, events to keep track of are adding up, from final assessments and sporting events to end-of-season/year celebrations and graduation parties, and schedules are filling up.
“Don’t let senioritis steal the ending you’ve worked so hard for all these years,” assistant principal Jami Ewer said. “You’re at the finish line—dig deep and finish strong. Enjoy these last moments of high school, but stay focused so you can walk away proud, with no regrets.”
The pinnacle of the season, graduation, will be held on Sunday, May 10, at Liberty First Credit Union Arena at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m., with the graduate check-in cutoff at 1:30 p.m. No tickets will be needed, and entry will be free to everyone. Additionally, there will not be a limit on the number of attendees per family. For those who can’t make it to the ceremony, graduation will be live-streamed on Gretna Live.
“Because we are having graduation at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, we have enough space that we don’t have to limit seating,” principal Chad Jepsen said.
While graduation is the finish line, there are several checkpoints along the way. The first and second of them happen to fall on the same day: May 7.
That morning, before school starts, Student Council will host Senior Sunrise in the school’s southwest parking lot, closest to the soccer field. The event will run from 7–7:50 a.m., and Student Council requests that seniors wear their future college’s gear or Griffin gear. There will be multiple photo opportunities and a group photo at 7:45 a.m. by the west common doors. Student Council will release more information soon.
“Senior Sunrise is just a great way to wrap up the year,” Student Council President Madeline Petrick said. “It’ll be pretty similar to last year’s, and I’m so excited for everyone to wear their college merch and start their last day off all together.”
Seniors’ last full day of school is that same day. They will turn in their laptops, finish up any missing classwork and settle any outstanding fees.
Graduation rehearsal will be held the following day, May 8, at 8 a.m in the main gymnasium. All seniors must attend the rehearsal in order to participate in the actual ceremony.
“We provide specific information about what will happen during the graduation ceremony, and we walk through the process to make sure it runs smoothly,” Jepsen said.
After practice, students who have incomplete assignments or unserved detention time will be required to stay at school until those obligations are met, essentially turning the rest of the day into an AI day. Students with outstanding fees or a negative lunch account balance will also need to settle those accounts.
Once seniors have completed all of those requirements, they will be able to pick up their cap, gown and honor cords and will be free to leave.
“I am incredibly proud of this year’s senior class,” Jepsen said. “They have represented Gretna East with excellence and integrity throughout their time here. I am confident that as they leave Gretna, they will continue to find success in their future endeavors and make meaningful contributions as positive members of society.”
