On the morning of August 31st, 24 hours before the start of their senior year, Craig Seniors woke extra early, arriving at Craig High School around 6:00 a.m. 

They laid blankets on the field, sat on the back of their cars, and chatted idly. The atmosphere was jolly, despite the frigid temperatures, and a thick mist spread across the field- which some commented was “A little dramatic.”  

A football was passed around in the parking lot as small groups caught up with each other during a summer of separation. 

The reason for the gathering was to watch the sunrise. 

It is a tradition that has lasted years, further back than any student can remember, and this year senior class president Logan Grandt-Turke had the pleasure of organizing it. Although he stated the organization was “not as easy as you hope,” but “It was interesting for sure.” Still, about a third of the senior class showed up and participated. 

When asked why they decided to attend, many said that this occasion was special. 

Cole Spies, a senior, commented that the “Rising of the sun was equal to the rising of a new year.” 

The gathering to watch the sunrise was symbolic of their final year starting, just like the day. 

At the end of the year, it is planned that the senior class will have a similar event to watch the sunset, completing the cycle of the tradition. 

Although, now, all of the focus was on the beginning. 

Attention turned to the rising sun as it finally poked above the treeline around 6:45 and the mood rose significantly. 

Groups assembled for pictures, finished their conversations, and headed out, riding into their final year.