It’s more than halfway through the school year, and the Class of 2026 is getting ready for its big day, which is coming sooner rather than later — less than three months away. However, they’re not the only ones looking forward to the end of the school year. The Class of 2027 is preparing for its upcoming senior year, and a few Packers shared their thoughts on what they expect.
Juniors Zaylee Moreno and Diana Sabino-Arellano shared what they are excited about, and senior Emmilene Francisco provided advice for juniors.
How is your junior year going so far, and has it been challenging?
Moreno: My junior year has been going pretty well overall, but it has been challenging to keep up with all my assignments. The workload is heavier than in previous years, and it sometimes feels overwhelming. However, I’m learning how to manage my time better and stay more organized, which has helped me grow as a student.
Sabino-Arellano: Overall, my junior year has been pretty OK, I would say, but the biggest challenge has definitely been staying on top of everything. I’ve found that the workload is much heavier this year, and it’s been a struggle to keep up with the daily pace and not fall behind on assignments.
How are you going to prepare for your senior year?
Moreno: I plan to prepare for my senior year by staying organized, keeping up with my assignments and setting goals early. I also want to focus on improving my study habits.
Sabino-Arellano: I’m going to focus on being more organized. My goal is to find a better way to track my work and keep myself on schedule so I don’t fall behind like I did this year.
What do you look forward to in your senior year?
Moreno: I look forward to enjoying senior activities and making lasting memories with my friends. I’m also excited to get closer to graduating and planning my future after high school.
Sabino-Arellano: I’m really looking forward to the feeling of finishing this chapter. It’s bittersweet because these years have shaped who I am, but I’m ready to see what’s next. I want to make the most of every moment I have left with my friends and enjoy the last moments before we graduate.
Are you ready to graduate?
Moreno: I feel both excited and nervous about graduating. I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. Overall, I feel proud of how far I’ve come and ready for what’s next.
Sabino-Arellano: Part of me is ready to step out into the world and start fresh, but another part of me wants to hold on just a little longer. I think by the time graduation comes, I’ll be ready to say goodbye.
Senior Packer Francisco shared advice for the Class of 2027.
Francisco: My advice to the Class of 2027 is not to waste this year. It’s a big year because things start to feel real. Grades matter more, leadership opportunities open up, and you begin thinking seriously about life after high school. I wish I had realized earlier how fast time moves, so my advice is to stay consistent, get involved in things you care about and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reflecting back on my junior year, it was fun and well-balanced. Don’t forget to go out with friends and take days to relax. This year really shapes how prepared and confident you feel going into senior year. In senior year, there are a lot of things to get done, so to make things easier, get tasks done ahead of time. It’s easy to fall behind.
