Members of the Mount Union Area High School Class of 2026 gather during Decision Day to celebrate their future plans following graduation. Pictured from left to right: Lilyana Hicks, Sydnee Harris, Sayde Wise, Katie Pyne, Isabella Yocum, and Delaney Ronk.
By SAYDE WISE | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — As the 2025-2026 school year comes to an end, seniors are saying their final goodbyes to the clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that have been a part of their lives for the last several years. Being involved in clubs not only teaches students how to manage their time and stay organized, but also helps them learn valuable life lessons. For some seniors, these activities have been a part of their high school experience for all four years. Although banquets are hosted to recognize the effort and dedication students put in throughout the school year, saying goodbye is still not easy.
Sydnee Harris reflected on her experiences in both National Honor Society and Student Council. For the past two years, Harris has served as the Public Relations Officer for NHS. In this role, she is responsible for reaching out to businesses and arranging events for NHS members to participate in. Harris said her favorite memory from NHS is being able to lead inductions. She said, “I feel like inductions have taught me the most, especially about public speaking. I also feel like it is a huge accomplishment to go from being inducted to leading the inductions.” Harris explained that NHS has taught her professionalism, something she believes will always stay with her.
Harris has also served as Student Council Secretary for one year. Her favorite memory was the picnic Ms. Haley Myers and Ms. Danielle Solt organized for students. Harris would encourage younger students to join clubs because, “it teaches you more than you think. You will truly learn a lot about life.”
Jacob Cooper has held multiple officer positions while participating in Future Business Leaders of America. During his freshman year, Cooper served as Treasurer. Throughout his sophomore and junior years, he held the position of Vice President. Finally, as a senior, he served as President. Cooper has noticed major improvement in his networking and communication skills through FBLA. Constantly practicing and developing these skills, along with many others, helped both Cooper and Mount Union FBLA earn numerous awards and scholarships. “FBLA has been very beneficial to me as I leave high school and get ready for college,” he added.
As Cooper looks back on his FBLA career, his favorite memories come from the opportunities he had throughout all four years of high school. Each year, Cooper had the chance to get on stage through speeches, events, and leadership opportunities. Cooper would encourage younger students to step outside of their comfort zones during high school. He said, “It is always worth a shot to try something new.”
Lily Hicks has been a CHAMP captain for all four years of high school. During her senior year, Mount Union CHAMP captains implemented officer positions, and Hicks was selected as President. CHAMP taught her the value of hard work, leadership, and communication skills. Being a captain involves much more than what people see on the surface, and Hicks worked nonstop to be the best captain she could be. “My favorite memory is definitely winning both trophies this year,” she said on behalf of all MU captains.
Oscar James has participated in the musical for four years. Throughout that time, James has developed lifelong leadership, time management, and teaching skills. To encourage younger students to join the musical, James shared that it creates priceless memories that cannot be made elsewhere. He also noticed that he received back what he put into the experience. “If you want an opportunity to grow, there are many ways to step outside of your comfort zone,” James noted.
Through clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities, these seniors created memories and learned lessons that will follow them into the next chapter of their lives.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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