The Shen seniors celebrated the annual college decision day tradition on May 1, by wearing merch and decorating the sidewalk to show their future plans. 

Seniors spent their lunch blocks together outside acting like kids again, playing with sidewalk chalk. Each sidewalk square represented a different school, creating a beautiful array of colors and mascots flooding the entrance to the high school.

Students signed their names on their square to display their future plans.

“I didn’t personally draw my square since so many people from Shen are going to UB, but it was really nice to sign it and take pictures in front of it,” said Grace Gibbs, who is committed to the University at Buffalo. 

With it being such a memorable event to conclude high school, many students were seen capturing the moment by taking pictures together in front of the drawings.

“It was a bittersweet moment, kind of full circle. I was taking pictures with people I went to elementary school with. Like we grew up together, and now it’s like we’re on the last chapter and we’re all going our separate ways,” said Annabelle King, a Binghamton commit. 

Many students were concerned about if the event were to take place May 1, due to the sky being covered in a sheet of gray. Luckily weather held up and worked in the seniors favor.

“I was really glad it wasn’t postponed because I’ve been so excited for this day. This is the first time where everyone shared their college plans and it’s really bittersweet,” said Gibbs.

Not every senior has made up their mind, however. Many colleges pushed their decision day to May 15th due to the ongoing FAFSA delay. Joseph Allen is someone who is still undecided where he will be in the fall.

“It sucked being one of the only ones not wearing a college shirt, but I had a good time watching my friends draw their mascots and get together with everyone for one of the last times before we all leave,” said Allen.

With only two more big events on the horizon, prom and graduation, many felt reminiscent over their years at Shen, and excited to see what their classmates are up to for the future.

King said she has been waiting for decision day for months because she’s been so eager to find out everyone else’s college plans. 

Gibbs agrees, “We’ve been with these same people for twelve years and now everyone is moving on from each other. It’s both sad and hopeful to see how we’ll all spend the rest of our lives apart. I’m hoping to stay in touch with everyone,” she said.