There’s a unique kind of energy that fills the halls of Erie High School in May—one that’s equal parts excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation. As the Class of 2025 enters their final week of school, students are reflecting on years of memories while preparing for a future that’s just around the corner.
For senior Sydney Streeter, the emotion of this moment is hard to put into words but it’s all deeply real.
“I was excited knowing that everything I’ve worked for is coming to an end,” Sydney said. “And I’m so excited for my next adventure.”
That adventure is taking her all the way to New York City, where she’ll attend design school in the fall. It’s a dream she’s carried through high school, shaped by years of creativity, style, and vision. For Sydney, New York isn’t just a place, it’s the next step in becoming the person she’s always imagined.
Even with excitement for what’s ahead, there’s still a sense of sadness as high school draws to a close. Over the years, Sydney found joy in the small things; the connections built inside classrooms and the traditions shared with classmates.
“I liked the classes where everyone was close and it felt like a big community,” she said. “And all the fun activities we do.”
That feeling is echoed by many students this week, even if unspoken. From senior dress-up days to the last cafeteria lunch, this final stretch is filled with “lasts” that carry weight. The last time walking through the school doors as a student. The last group photo. The last class bell.
For Sydney and so many of her peers, these moments mark the end of a chapter that shaped them, challenged them, and helped define who they are.
But the real story isn’t just about endings, it’s about what comes next. And for Sydney, that future is as bold and creative as the city she’s heading to.
Streeter is heading to design school in New York. “It’s bittersweet” she says, “I am proud of what I have achieved and excited for the next chapter, however, I am going to miss Erie.”
As graduation nears and the Class of 2025 prepares to turn their tassels, Sydney’s story is a reflection of the entire senior experience: a little bit of sadness, a whole lot of excitement, and the unwavering feeling that something incredible is just beginning.
