April 9, 2025 was a day of fun, laughter and pride as the class of 2025 celebrated their accomplishments at their Seniors-Only Academic Rally (SOAR), hosted by the Associated Student Body (ASB). As one of their final celebrations, this event highlighted the seniors’ hard work throughout their high school career. The nostalgic rally’s theme was, Nickelodeon©, a significant part of childhood in the 2010s.
Students were presented with awards ranging from certificates and cords to a graduation robe signed by the entire class. Awards such as, “Most inspirational” were rewarded as certificates, and nominated by individual teachers. If a student was in programs such as the National Honors Society (NHS), achieved a certain grade point average or completed community service hours, they were awarded a cord to wear around their necks at graduation.
Although most of the awards were given to a group of students, one student was granted a special graduation robe that was signed by the class of 2025 during their freshman year (2021). This student was described as an individual that is always showing kindness and enthusiasm during school. Students and staff voted on Alex Lawson ’25 to receive the robe. Lawson is known for his positive attitude, dedication and commitment to Foothill Tech, “All of my love comes straight from Jesus and I just project that love that Jesus showed me. My whole goal is to just love people,” Lawson said.
Not only did the rally commemorate the achievements of the seniors, but it included interactive games to encourage class bonding. Students were split into four different teams: red, yellow, green and purple. Activities included “face the cookie” with oreos, guessing the music album, stacking cups and passing a beach ball down a line quickly. Senior Raygan Nettles ‘25 enjoyed this aspect of the rally saying, “It was fun being with each other and cheering on teams and all coming in as one.” Students were given spirit wear such as heart sunglasses in the color of their team, and participants of each activity received a candy bar as a prize.
ASB seniors dressed up as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, while staff such as Franklin Davis, Courtney Johnson and Katherine Tedford were dressed as characters from the ionic Nickelodeon© TV show, Power Puff Girls. Melanie “Captain” Lindsey and Justin Frazier introduced the awards, giving short speeches on how each student earned their own unique award. Lauren Fossati ‘25, member of ASB and graduating senior, reported on the event saying, “It went really well, I probably have been working on it since January. Everyone [ASB] worked super hard on this event and was really helpful.”
As the event came to a close, it ended with an apple cider toast from seniors who reflect Foothill Tech. This bittersweet ceremony marks the final stretch for the class of 2025, offering a moment to commemorate everyone’s achievements throughout their high school year. As graduation quickly approaches, this event serves as one of the many milestones leading up to the end of their high school experience.
