The Class of 2023 celebrated their achievements at Senior Recognition Night on Tuesday, June 6. The evening was run by the Senior Class Council, and recognized students with academic and peer awards as well as various scholarships.
The award show was held inside of the CHS cafeteria, as opposed to a venue like years past, allowing for a longer program. Council members who coordinated the event created a slideshow presentation highlighting the in and out-of-school accomplishments of every senior.
Senior Council Vice President Lillian Chen appreciated the individual recognitions, which were previously not part of the program.
“Even if they’re not receiving a scholarship or a department award, we were still able to recognize everyone for their accomplishments,” Chen said. “It was really special because it meant that everyone got their little moment last night.”
Senior Recognition Night is one of the last events at CHS for graduating seniors, the goal is to send them off with final memories together.
Senior Patrick Gallagher of Neptune received a Seal of Biliteracy and the Photography Award, and although it reminded him of the fact that he would be leaving soon, he thought the night was one of the best events he’s attended at CHS.
“It really started to hit that my time at CHS was ending,” Gallagher said. The year is also drawing to a close for Senior Council advisors Sharyn O’Keefe and Shelley Ortner, who only have the rest of June with the Class of 2023.
“I can’t believe they’re all graduating,” O’Keefe said. “Those four years went by so fast.”
The Class of 2023 had their freshman year cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and missed an in-person sophomore year. While they didn’t get to experience some CHS milestones, it was made up for in the next two years when the school returned back to normal.
“This was a group that really started out at a disadvantage with shutting down halfway through their first year,” Ortner said. “It’s just so nice to see them confident and happy and ready for their futures.”
