Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you have all been waiting for:  one of the most wonderful and terrifying events of your life, your ticket to the real world, your last day as reckless teenagers. This is the day you graduate from high school.

It’s time for tears—tears of joy, sadness, and excitement. It’s also time to look forward as Miami High’s seniors go off on their own outside the world of high school.

This year’s graduation ceremony will take place June 9 at the Bank United Center on the University of Miami campus. The ceremony starts at 9 in the morning. To be allowed inside, you need a ticket; 5 tickets are given to each graduating senior.

Unfortunately, there are some seniors who won’t be walking across the stage to pick up their diploma.  As of May 13, of the  646 seniors at Miami High, 66 had not yet been cleared for graduation, said assistant principal Ms. Leal,

The main reasons seniors don’t graduate are because they don’t turn in their community service or virtual school final report, have too many absences or missing credits, explains student services department chairperson Ms. Diaz de Villegas.

For those that have been given the “you’re clear”, there is a lot going through their minds and a lot of mixed feelings. Nancy Miranda says, “It’s actually kind of sad that I’m leaving the school that has molded me into the person I am right now.”

Camila Montiel feels excited but nervous since she’s been in the “high school environment” for so long and now things are changing.

Alexa Panameño says she feels like any other senior, super excited but a bit nervous because now she has to learn to be more independent.

Of course, for seniors it’s a bittersweet feeling, and this is when nostalgia hits the hardest. Romel Perdomo is sad to leave behind the school that has done so many things for him but holds so many memories like the homecoming parades, the dances, and the football games.

Jorge Perez will miss water polo and being Beta’s Vice President.

Student Government President Melissa Carcamo will simply miss “the safety net my advisors have provided for me and their constant support and encouragement as well as my safe haven: the SGA office.”

Even though seniors are leaving behind lots of memories, good and bad, they are excited to make new ones on the road ahead. Randy Lopez says, “Although I’m going to miss having a free education and free food, I’m basically being thrown out into the real world, but I’m looking forward to college and meeting new people.”

Honoria President Hector Menendez is looking forward to not having to wake up at 6 in the morning, and having more freedom.

As some take a walk down memory lane, they start to realize that they couldn’t have done it alone. “Some of the best memories I made in high school were my 9^th grade year in the baseball team. I have enjoyed high school and I thank God, my parents, and some teachers and coaches who helped along the way. I’m looking forward to the 20 year reunion and seeing my friends succeed in life and seeing what the future holds for me,” said Key president Larry Bravo.

As seniors reminisce and anticipate their future, they know that the journey wasn’t easy but want to make it easier for those who follow.  “Take care of your priorities first and make sure you have everything you need before it’s too late. After, you can have all the fun you want,” says Araliza Soto.

Miguel Martinez would tell upcoming seniors to not get caught up with senioritis and just enjoy your last year in high school.

Juan Lasso reminds underclassmen, “Come to school ready to handle any situation and challenge yourself. It builds character for the future. From here on out, you decide your destiny, so make the most of it.”

Grethel Acevedo says, “Be involved in all senior activities, go to all the football games and pep rallies, but most importantly get everything cleared on time and keep up with your grades and attendance because it all counts.”

As a high school graduate Marco Lainez will be “going home and watching an excessive amount of TV, and then study to become a director or an artist.”

Randy Lopez will be going to Mexico as a graduation gift from his parents.  Monica Rodriguez is going on vacation and coming back to work with her cousin who’s a lawyer because she wants to study to become a lawyer.

Seniors, the world is your oyster, and it’s up to you to make the best of it. Assistant principal Ms. Leal says, “Make these last few weeks, every moment count. Look at this as the legacy your leaving behind, cherish it. 10 years from now you will look back and think, those were the best years of my life.”

Some seniors believe they have left their mark on Miami Senior High. SGA president Melissa Carcamo says, “I left my legacy by starting new activities and traditions, bringing back old ones, and I’ve made the best of the current ones.”

Jorge Perez believes he left his legacy by showing kids how to show their spirit and help their communities.