Smiles, laughter and camera flashes filled the courtyard while the senior class of 2026 gathered together to celebrate their college, military and career commitments. On May 1, Decision Day, an event hosted by the guidance department, occurred during periods 2-8.
Decision Day is an event that highlights the achievements of our graduating class, marking the beginning of their transition from high school to college, military or the workforce. In the past, students and staff would simply wear their college shirts. This year, the Guidance Department decided to host a more formal event.
“Guidance always tried to recognize Decision Day with students and faculty wearing shirts that represented their post high school plans,” said guidance counselor Maryanne Cardone. “This year we decided to kick it up a notch with a bigger celebration to see if the students would participate in a more organized event. I think the results and feedback have been very positive, so hopefully we can continue this event and make it an annual tradition!”
Students and staff recognized where our graduating seniors will be heading on the next part of their journeys after graduation and gave our seniors a chance to celebrate with each other, taking pictures together for their last moments in high school. Seniors wore shirts that showed where they were headed in the future.
The seniors’ theme for this year’s decision day was based on the famous Dr. Seuss book Oh, the places you’ll go! The seniors were then able to fill out a paper hot air balloon with their college decisions. Class valedictorian Atticus Muuss plans to attend New York University in the fall with a scholarship that fully covers his tuition.
“After high school, I’m hoping to put myself out there as much as possible,” said Muuss. “I’m hoping to say yes to as many opportunities as I can, join ensembles, make new connections, practice, learn, and keep on motivating myself to be the best version of myself I can be.”
Seniors were given ice pops and took photos at the photo booth set up and spent the day celebrating. Senior Riley Kennedy wore a University of South Carolina shirt, showing her commitment to the school.
“I am studying international business and I want to go into marketing for a big company and travel the world,” said senior Riley Kennedy.
Some students hope to even come back to the Bay Shore High School halls one day. Senior Mikayla Herbert plans to study Education to do just that.
“I am getting my master’s in education and my major in biology so I will be coming back to Bay Shore to become a teacher,” said Herbert.
As the day came to an end, the seniors took their last moments in the courtyard before heading back inside wearing their college shirts proudly. While they prepare for their last month of school and head off to graduation, this day was a chance to celebrate how far they have come, while preparing for the new chapters waiting ahead.
“My favorite memory from the day is seeing the underclassmen lined up at the cafeteria windows during lunch periods to see what was going on in the courtyard. I was asked: ‘Will you do this when I’m a senior?’” said Cardone. “That makes me proud to be part of an event that creates excitement and something to look forward to as they work toward reaching this milestone in their academic career.”
