Walking the Millard North halls for the first time as freshmen, students feel like they’re entering a new world. Looking forward to the next four years, these freshmen continue to find new interests, make unforgettable memories, and create amazing new relationships. After four years of hard work and dedication, it’s almost time for these freshmen turned seniors to graduate. 

So, how will the class of 2023 be celebrating the end of their high school years? There’s nothing to look forward to more than graduate party season. Jumping from house to house congratulating these seniors, let’s take a look at some unique graduation party plans. 

Sydney Farley, a graduating senior, decided to bring her love for skiing to her party: a ski-themed party at Lazlo’s.

“Lazlo’s is one of my favorite restaurants, and I thought it would be a cool place to have my graduation party. I really enjoy skiing, and I would say that I’m pretty good at it, so my aunt thought it would be a fun and unique idea to create a ski-themed party,” Farley said.

The theme is accompanied by a variety of activities for her friends to enjoy. 

“We’re setting up a photo booth for people to take pictures and also a ‘pin the tail on the cowboy’ game because I’m going to be attending the University of Wyoming,” Farley said.

Representing her journey throughout the years, her aunt and her worked together to make a trail that symbolizes her time in school.

“When you’re skiing, the trail signs show the difficulty of what the trail is; green is easy, blue is intermediate, black is difficult, and double black is extreme. So, each of the schools I have attended is a different colored trail sign with Aldrich being green, Kiewit is blue, Millard North is black, and the University of Wyoming is double black,” Farley said. 

Contrasting Farley’s ski-themed party, Bhavya Krishnan decided to have her party out in the sun at Zorinsky Lake.

“When [I was] beginning to plan my party, I knew having a big venue or a house gathering was not my style. I settled on an outdoor party because I love being outside,” Krishnan said. 

Wanting to bring her culture with her, she has a delicious cuisine planned for her guests. 

“For food, I knew I wanted it to be Indian as a nod to my culture and because it has been a staple, comfort cuisine for me as I grew up. I couldn’t live without it. Some of my favorites are paneer and chana masala, so those two foods are what I’ll request for sure,” Krishnan said. 

With a competitive and sportive personality, Krishnan decided to incorporate a variety of sports and games into her graduation party.

“I’m planning to have volleyball, cricket, and soccer set up at my party because some of my favorite memories were made playing sports with my friends during the summer. Additionally, my dad is a huge cricket fan, and it will be a way to honor the person that did everything and more for me during my childhood,” Krishnan said. “Most of all, I’m a huge believer that sports brings everyone together, and I think it’s a fun way to bring people I’ve gotten to know in different aspects of my life together.”

Graduation parties are a way of celebrating all that one has accomplished throughout their years and bringing together the communities that have shaped them into the person they are today. 

“For me, grad party season is just an excuse to hang out with my friends all day, every day. There’s no school or stress to worry about, and we all get to be present with each other,” Krishnan said. 

For seniors, graduation becomes a bittersweet moment.

“To be honest it feels surreal. I’m very excited and nervous at the same time because after graduation, I’m going to be truly independent. However, at the same time I’m excited to explore college life and how it differs from high school and to meet new people,” Sarang Kim said. 

Graduation parties are a last time to celebrate with the friends seniors have made throughout the years. 

“I am very excited to go to everyone’s grad party and see everyone there filled with joy and excitement from graduating. It will be like our ‘final’ moment together before we each head off to a new start, so it was definitely emotional, but a special memory,” Kim said. 

As the class of 2023 graduates, they await many celebrations to come, and some final exciting memories to make.