Preparing to Graduate with the Class of 2025: A Time to Cherish
As our latest graduating class concludes their time at St. Agnes, we would like to share tips for preparing to graduate. Learn how to make the most of this time as a high school senior.
As the Class of 2025 completes its final year at St. Agnes Academy, a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation fills the air. For our seniors, preparing to graduate means more than checking off requirements – it’s a time of reflection, growth, and stepping confidently into what’s next.
Whether headed to college, a gap year, or another path, our students are navigating this milestone with resilience and joy. Here’s how they – and their families – can prepare for graduation in a way that honors both the journey and the future ahead.
5 Ways Our Seniors Are Preparing to Graduate
What does it look like to embrace the season of graduation with joy? Here’s what works well for our student body.
1. Stay on Top of Graduation Requirements
The first step in preparing for graduation is making sure all academic and service requirements are on track. Seniors should review transcripts with their college counselor and double-check progress toward required credits, including electives, theology, and service hours.
It’s also the season to finalize any college applications or scholarship materials, complete testing obligations (if needed), and begin gathering materials for the graduation ceremony itself, such as cap and gown orders.
At St. Agnes, our wellness and college counseling teams are available every step of the way. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to help them stay focused and confident.
2. Celebrate the Moments that Matter
Preparing for graduation isn’t just logistical – it’s deeply personal. Seniors are encouraged to slow down and savor the experiences that make this final year so memorable. Senior year is filled with meaningful events, such as:
- Senior Sunrise
- Welcome Week
- Style Show
- Retreat
- Powder Puff
- Seniors’ Last Day
Families can begin preparing for graduation weekend by confirming event dates, making travel arrangements for out-of-town guests, and planning celebrations with friends and loved ones. Seniors may also want to gather photos, write thank-you notes, or begin journaling about this transition. Remember, it’s a time of deep reflection and gratitude.
3. Build Life-Readiness Beyond the Classroom
Graduation marks a shift from structured academic life to a more independent future. Students headed to college – or directly into the workforce – will benefit from strong foundational skills in budgeting, time management, and self-advocacy.
This is also a good time to review college housing contracts, compare financial aid packages, or revisit post-graduation plans. Sites like Crush the GRE Test offer valuable tools for students planning to attend graduate school down the road.
4. Lean on Your Support System
Preparing to graduate is as much emotional as it is exciting. Saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and a beloved school community can bring up a mix of feelings. That’s why our seniors are reminded to lean into the community that surrounds them – classmates, mentors, parents, and alumnae.
Staying connected with friends, checking in with trusted adults, and participating fully in senior traditions are all ways our students stay grounded. Many also reach out to alumnae through our mentorship programs to gain insight into college life and life beyond.
5. Look Toward What’s Next with Purpose
Whether a student is college-bound, taking a gap year, or pursuing another path, the process of graduating from high school is about stepping forward with intention. Seniors are encouraged to set goals, explore their interests, and remain open to what’s ahead – even when it feels uncertain.
This is a good time to review college housing contracts, compare financial aid packages, or revisit post-graduation plans. Our faculty and counselors work closely with each student and their families to ensure they feel supported in this transition.
Final Thoughts: Class of 2025, This Is Your Moment
As we spotlight our latest graduating class and all they’ve accomplished, we recognize that preparing to graduate is about more than leaving – it’s about launching. The Class of 2025 is made up of artists, athletes, scholars, and servant leaders. They are ready to share their gifts with the world – and we can’t wait to see where they go next.
To learn more about how students at all-girls schools like ours are navigating their senior year, or to explore resources for post-graduation success, we invite you to explore university tools at UCSD's Visual Arts Department and academic catalogs through CourseLeaf.
To the seniors and families of the Class of 2025: take it all in. You’ve earned every moment. Be sure to reach out to our staff with any questions you may have about how to confidently complete your time at St. Agnes.
