Seniors Rise Early to Kick Off Their Final Year at Milton
By Zidan Graham ‘25
Last Friday, Milton Academy’s Class of 2024 gathered before dawn on Observatory Hill to participate in one of the school’s annual traditions: Senior Sunrise. The event, held at the start of the school year, serves as a symbolic beginning for seniors as they embark on their final year at Milton Academy.
The morning began at 6:00 a.m, with seniors arriving early to get a spot on Observatory Hill, a favorite point on campus known for its panoramic views of the sky. Many students brought blankets to stay warm, while others, eagerly awaiting the sunrise with cups of hot chocolate and plates of danishes, huddled in groups. Despite initial concerns about attendance, an impressive number of both day students and boarders turned out to share the experience.
For the students gathered on the hill, the atmosphere was a mix of fatigue and happiness. Despite the early 6am wake up, the warm beverages and pastries created a relaxed environment as friends and classmates chatted, laughed, and shared stories about their week. For many, the event offered a rare opportunity to take a step back from the busy demands of senior year and reflect on the journey they’ve taken together as a class.
“There was some doubt going into it,” Claudia Krishnan ‘25 remarked. “A lot of people didn’t think they would be able to get up that early, but when we got there, it felt like everyone showed up. ”
The uncertainty surrounding the event stemmed from more than just the early start time. Despite the event’s postponement due to weather, the forecast had still predicted cloudy skies, leading some to question whether the sunrise would even be visible. Nonetheless, the large turnout of seniors proved that the significance of the event went beyond simply watching the sunrise.
Although the sunrise itself was largely obscured by clouds, the experience was not ruined. Students stood together as the sun slowly crept up through the overcast sky.
“Even though the sunrise was mostly covered by clouds, my friends and I had a good time,” stated Claudia Krishnan ‘25. “It was a really nice bonding moment for the senior class, and Marianna and Anthony did a great job organizing everything.”
Mariana dos Santos ‘25 and Anthony Sergeyev ‘25, the senior class reps who spearheaded the planning, were largely responsible for the event's success. Their hard work, from organizing the refreshments to their strong encouragement for everyone to come out and have a good time, helped ensure that the event was memorable for all.
“The turnout was way better than I expected,” Jason Yu ‘25 said. “Even with the clouds, it felt like we were all together, starting our last year in a really special way.” As the sun rose higher in the sky, students slowly began to disperse, ready to start their school day. Before leaving, the class gathered for a group photo and selfie, capturing the moment as a keepsake of the end of our Milton journey.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, many seniors considered Senior Sunrise a success. The event marked a meaningful start to what will be an unforgettable year for the Class of 2025. Though brief, the event provided a chance for seniors to connect and share in a moment of unity. With a series of senior milestones in the year ahead—from college applications to graduation—the sunrise served as a powerful reminder of the journey the seniors have taken together and the bright futures that await them.