HPISD newcomers, seniors begin new adventures
As the oldest sibling in her family, Morgan Owen was terrified when she started kindergarten at University Park Elementary more than a decade ago.
But she laughs about her fear now and said she’s “got it down” as a senior at Highland Park High School.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’m ready to be a senior.”
Owen’s enthusiasm was shared by other members of the class of 2026, who celebrated the start of their final year at Highland Park High School with a Last First Day breakfast on Aug. 13.
“It’s a new chapter of my life, and I’m ready to turn over a new leaf,” said senior Audrey Franks, who was particularly looking forward to her organic chemistry class. “But at the same time, I’m very sad and sentimental.”
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HPHS mom Nicole Brewer agreed that the morning was bittersweet. After seniors gathered on the high school steps for a Last First Day photo, she remembered taking a picture of a much smaller version of her son, Charles, in front of Armstrong’s eagle when he started kindergarten.
“This last first day is the beginning of so many lasts,” she said. “I’m not ready to see the lasts.”
Dad Ryan Scripps remembered how his daughter, who graduated from HPISD two years ago, was a leg-clinger on her first day in kindergarten but came home having had the best day of her life. His son, who is now a senior, was excited from the start. He ran into his classroom already knowing half the students.
“It feels like you’re setting them off on this journey,” Scripps said. “And now this is the last step of that journey you started 12 years ago, but the first step of one that will continue for the rest of their lives.”
The adventure of a new school year began on Aug. 13 with hugs, excitement, and a few tears at schools across HPISD.
McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School’s Raiders were welcomed back with red, blue, and orange signage in front of the campus’ flagpole.
Hyer Elementary’s Huskies said “howdy” to a new year with yellow and white balloons, along with greetings from teachers and principal Debbie Burt.
As she drove to Highland Park High School, parent June Molnoskey, whose son is a senior this year, passed University Park Elementary, where the school’s panther mascot and a bagpiper greeted students.
“Cherish these little babies, because it goes so fast,” she advised crossing guards. “It just is in a blink of an eye. It feels like we just dropped him off for kindergarten, and now he’s in senior year.”
Though it doesn’t seem long since her senior, Hayden’s, first day in HPISD, Molnoskey said she knows he’ll leave prepared for the future.
“They’ve done a great job. All of the teachers have been so wonderful, and he’s ready,” she said. “He’s ready for this year, and ready for what comes next.”
