Senior Sunrise

Seniors Start the Year Bright with Senior Sunrise

On August 13, the class of 2026 kicked off their final year at Trinity Christian Academy by waking up bright and early for Senior Sunrise. The day before school started, all the seniors gathered at Eagle Stadium to celebrate their best and final year as an Eagle.

The event was full of fun, laughter, and plenty of photos of friends gathering together to celebrate and pray for the start of their last year together. Chick-fil-A and donuts fueled the morning while students shared memories and looked forward to the exciting year ahead.

For many, the food was just as much a highlight as the sunrise. “I definitely liked the donuts more than the Chick-fil-A,” admitted Rhyder Dawson, Senior, who has attended TCA for 14 years and is considered a “True Blue.” Kadin James, a senior who has attended TCA since 7th grade, agreed: “Donuts all the way.” On the other hand, Hannah Miller, senior, who’s been at TCA since 3rd grade, stood firmly on the Chick-fil-A side, saying it was her favorite breakfast option.

Senior Sunrise, however, is about much more than the snacks. It’s a chance for seniors to come together as a class and set the tone for the year. “My favorite part was seeing Mr. Baker one last time,” said Rhyder. Hannah agreed, adding that the sermon Mr. Baker preached was especially meaningful. For many, the devotion made the morning even more memorable, especially knowing it was Mr. Baker’s final year before moving to South Africa.

Beyond the moment itself, seniors shared what excites them most about the year ahead. Rhyder summed it up as “having a last hoorah with all of my friends.” Kadin said he’s most excited for “all the new fun experiences, like Turkey in the Ground and the 12 Days of Christmas.” Hannah echoed the excitement for traditions, saying she can’t wait for “all the fun events, especially Turkey in the Ground.”

At the same time, seniors admitted there’s a bittersweet side to this tradition. “It’s kind of scary knowing this is the beginning of my last year at TCA,” Hannah reflected. “At this time next year, I’ll already be in college.” Kadin agreed, saying while he’s happy to be a senior, he’ll definitely miss the school. Rhyder put it simply: “It’s bittersweet. I’m excited, but it’s hard knowing this is the beginning of the end.”

Though the morning began with storms, forcing the seniors into the gym due to lightning, the skies cleared just in time for the sunrise. The class was able to finish the tradition on the field, making it even more memorable as they stepped into their final year together under brightening skies.