10 Things to do Before You Graduate from Saint Andrew’s

*As seen in the May 2026 edition of the Bagpiper. Written by Brooke Parke ’25 and Chloe Strollo '25, Layout Editors.

Senior year at Saint Andrew’s School is more than just a countdown to graduation; it's a collection of moments that define your high school experience. As seniors, we’ve learned that while classes, grades, and college applications matter, it’s the memories we make along the way that will truly stick. Whether you’re walking the halls as an underclassman or will soon start your final year, these are the top ten must-do experiences before you graduate. 

 

1. Go to Senior Sunrise 

The feeling of waking up before the sun has risen to meet with all your classmates on the beach is a feeling unmatched. It's not just about the view, it's about realizing how far you’ve come. Sitting in the sand, wrapped in blankets, half awake, you begin to understand that this is the start to the beginning of the end.  This event is thoughtfully organized by your student body president a few days before your first day of school. Cherish this entrance into your Senior year as it is the first to many exciting events.   

2. Go to a Basketball Game Against Pope

School spirit hits differently when it's a rivalry game, and nothing compares to a packed gym when we play Pope.  Whether you're a sports fan or not, going to this game is a must to be a true SCOT. The crowd is rowdy, screaming with excitement to see our team beat Pope year after year. And if it’s not a basketball game, it's the girls volleyball team taking on Pinecrest or the boys lacrosse team beating Boys Latin. Saint Andrew’s coming together to celebrate our talented athletes is what makes our school community so special. 

3. Become Best Friends with Boo Boo

Saint Andrew’s has an icon among us, and her name is Boo Boo. Whether Boo Boo is handing out her delicious cookies or passing out hugs to students at the Commons snack shop, her energy on campus brings joy to everyone. She makes Saint Andrew’s feel like home. Boo Boo brightens everyone's day, and by the end of your last days here, you will realize these connections are what truly stick with you. 

4. Study at the Many Spots Around Campus

Saint Andrew’s has too many study spots to choose from, but part of the experience is finding and trying all of them. Whether it's a quiet corner in Cohen, a breezy table in the courtyard, a room to collaborate with your friends in Charles Hagerty Hall, or a seat in the sun to finish up any last minute work next to the fountain, you will always feel productive. All of these spots allow you to excel as a student here.

5. Visit the Head of School’s House

Part of Saint Andrew's is knowing your class in a close-knit community. Going to the Head of the School's house portrays that. Sitting on Mr. Shapiro's back patio, enjoying cookies while sharing our experiences at Saint Andrew’s, is really what makes our school unique. This experience, along with the lakeside view, makes us appreciate the things we often take for granted at our beautiful campus.

6. See the Fireworks at The Homecoming Halftime

 Homecoming is already so exciting with the loud crowd and the cheerleaders bringing the spirit, but the halftime fireworks show is what makes this night unforgettable. The lights, noise, and reactions from the crowd all feel like a movie. It's one of those moments where you don't need anything but being with your friends. 

7. Go Off Campus for Lunch as a Senior

There's something about leaving campus in the middle of the day that feels like a small act of freedom. Whether it’s piling into cars with friends or walking somewhere nearby,  it breaks up the routine in the best way.  It's not even about the food, it's about the conversations, the laughs, and the feeling of doing something a little spontaneous. These are the moments that make ordinary days stand out. 

8. Go to an Arts Production

Make the effort to support your friends in the arts and be part of something creative. Whether it's a play, a concert, or an art exhibit, the amount of talent at SA is impressive. Seeing your classmates perform in a completely different setting gives you a new appreciation for them, and for the community as a whole. 

9. Take in the Beauty of SA

It sounds cliche, but slow down for a second. Walk around campus without rushing to your next class, notice the lake, the majestic banyan trees, the way the light hits the buildings in the afternoon, or how quiet it gets at certain times of day. These small details are easy to ignore when you're busy, but they're the things that stick with you later. One day, you’ll wish you could walk those same paths again. 

10. Jump in the Lake After Graduation

The ultimate send-off. It's chaotic, a little unplanned, and completely perfect. After everything, the exams, the stress, the goodbyes, jumping in the lake with your classmates feels like a release. It's messy, loud, and full of laughter, and that is exactly what makes it so special. It's not just about celebrating graduation; it's about celebrating everything that got you there. This may feel like the finish line, but it's also a turning point. Everyone is heading in different directions, chasing different futures, and that's exciting, but it also means leaving behind a place that's been our constant for years. 

 

Saint Andrew’s doesn't end the moment you graduate. It stays with us in a way we don't fully understand yet. Right now, it might feel like we’re trying to get through deadlines, finish requirements, and make it to the end. But somewhere in between all of that, we’re living moments that will become the stories we tell.

So before we go, take it all in. Stay a little longer after events. Talk to people you don't usually talk to. Say yes to things, even if they seem small. As the Class of 2026, we must let ourselves feel both the excitement of what's next and the nostalgia for what we are about to leave behind. 

Because one day, you won't just remember Saint Andrew’s for what you did, you'll remember how it felt to be here. And that's something you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left.