Hundreds of blue gowns swirled around the Viking Pavillion, matching the color of the shockingly blue sky. Despite Tuesday’s scorching summer-like heat, each one stood determined as they adorned their cords, stoles and medals in about a million different colors. Each marking a different trial, tribulation, or triumph they’ve shared. After four long years, Benson’s Class of 2026 is finally ready to graduate- and, also very ready to share some of the beautiful memories they’ve garnered throughout their high school journey.
Our school gives many students the opportunity to create cherished memories through their majors. Jacob Powell, a construction major at Benson, reminisced on a field trip to a CTE competition, sharing that, “whenever we go out, we have our own personal bus. Usually stop at a fast food joint.” He then, exclaimed that he “spent $51 on froyo.” He did not detail how exactly this shocking achievement was possible, and perhaps that was for the best, as he later remarked, “you do not even want to know how big it was.”
Other students had just as thrilling tales from the trades. Colton Gray, an electric major, details how a student “blew up a light bulb” in the middle of his electric class. This was somehow not a one-time deal, further adding that it was “twice, actually. Within the course of, I want to say, a month, maybe.” Then, shared that he “witnessed both of them. Pretty chaotic.”
Edmond Barringer, also an electric major, details a calmer story, sharing the enjoyment he had at the amazement of those witnessing the major’s Tesla Coil at Tech Show. He described onlooker reaction to interacting with it, exclaiming that, “when it shocks, the moment there’s [a] ‘whoump.’”
Rolling on to the scene, the tire tracks this year’s auto majors left will trail Benson forever. Automotive major Tyler Smith, shared that, “my favorite memory was manual swapping a Subaru at school with Jack Kirby.” Jack Kirby is a fellow auto major.
Aside from success in their majors, many students’ greatest memories were in the friendships they made. Health Sciences major Andrea Caceres Cen, shared that, “I really enjoyed it. I made new friends, new connections that I didn’t think I would make.” Electric major Citlaly Crux-Reyes, added that, “Meeting new people, making new friendships–it was amazing.”
Those friendships weren’t only formed with students. Computer Science major Jahangir Huseynov, shared that, “one of my favorite memories was talking with Ms. King, and sophomore year AP Art History, where we just got to chat a bunch.”
Even though their high school journeys may be ending, their experiences at Benson will never leave them. DMP Major Gus Poulton, adds that, “Honestly, I hope to have, like, good life bonds and stuff.” Before lightly punching his fellow DMP Major, Marvin Kolbow, and making a heart with his hands. Kolbow, after commenting on the wonderful community that has been fostered in their major, claimed that, “And of course, it won’t be the same without me.”
