May 1 is nationally recognized as senior decision day, and Buena joined high schools across the nation as they celebrated with its first decision day in the gym to honor the achievements and choices seniors have made as they make the momentous transition into their adult lives.
Students congregated on the gym bleachers to listen to administrators’ inspirational speeches and announcements about Grad Night, Soak-a-Senior and many more celebratory events. At the event, students were also able to participate in a raffle to get a Hydro Flask full of gift cards and other trinkets.
Decision day was meticulously planned by counselor Shannon Pelmear, with assistance from counselors Natalie Debbas and Natasha Hillis.
“I hope it gets them excited to move on [with] their journey past Buena,” Pelmear said. “And I hope it was a fun time for them to spend with their peers before graduation.”
The first decision day activity had students writing their names and next steps on a small paper flag. Afterwards, they hung their works on a poster in the gym which corresponds to their future plans and whether they were going to an out of state university, in state university, a community college or a trade school. Then they were given a ticket for free churros from a stand outside the gym.
“I hope that they are successful at whatever endeavor they choose, whether it’s a four-year college, work, military or community college,” Debbas said.
Along with that, other activities included a senior sign-off, a trend where seniors could say their final farewells on camera by signing the lens. There were also backdrops for students to take photos with their friends.
“After graduation, I hope every one of these students is going off to pursue whatever their dreams are,” Hillis said. “It is going to look different for everybody.”
Many students chose to go to Ventura College (VC) immediately after high school, and then transfer to a four year university after completing their prerequisites. VC had a stand at the event, answering questions and giving out small goodies.
“We hope to keep doing this event every single year,” Pelmear said. “We would love more community partners and just for it to become a thing that Buena is known for.”
