The class of 2026 gathered for Senior Kickoff Under the Oaks on Sept. 2, marking the first official event of the year for seniors.
The event also gave seniors an opportunity to celebrate how far they’ve come, connect with friends, reflect on their time at Elon and cast their vote for the senior class cause.
For many students, the kickoff was a chance to pause and appreciate the journey from convocation to commencement. Environmental science major Olivia Levy said standing Under the Oaks again brought her back to the start of her time at Elon.
“It feels like it’s coming full circle,” Levy said. “I’m really proud of all my accomplishments, and I’m excited to see what I do next. I want to contribute to the planet and see real solutions made.”
Levy, who moved to North Carolina as a freshman, said she would tell herself that the struggles and challenges were worth it.
“Coming to a new school in a new state was very scary,” Levy said. “But it’s a good thing to come out of your comfort zone. You grow as a person when you do that.”
For nursing major Taylor Girard, the event was a reminder of how quickly the last four years have passed.
“It’s kind of sad,” Girard said. “Being a senior is actually kicking in now.”
Cinema and television arts major Addie Fry agreed, saying she has looked forward to senior traditions since her first year.
“I kind of wish I could do it all again,” Fry said. “They say that college goes by really fast, and it actually does.”
Along with reflection, the event also focused on giving back. Seniors voted for their class cause, an initiative that allows the graduating class to support and give back to the school. They had the choice to vote between funds that would go to greatest needs, student scholarships and study abroad. The results will be announced later this semester.