"It is basically an opportunity for that scholar senior to reflect on their 13 years of school," said Abington High School Senior Principal Alice Swift.
"I'm very excited to have a good senior year because we've been working hard this year," said Abington High School senior Jack Slavin.
The tradition, known as Senior Sunrise, brings students together to watch the sun come up on their final year.
"I've never been to a sunrise so it's really nice to see it," said senior Lovely Rosa DeJesus.
"I remember being a freshman and being so excited for my freshman year. It's crazy," said senior Tajmira Peal.
Sun rises on a new school year in Abington School District
Not too long ago, they were all freshmen, just like the kids who arrived on the Abington High School campus Tuesday morning. The 9th graders had the entire school to themselves as they came in for their first day.
Tuesday was the first day of school for 9th graders and students in grades K through 6th grade in Abington School District. Last year, more than 8,400 kids were enrolled in the district. About 750 of those students are seniors at the high school.
Hundreds of them showed up for the Senior Sunrise tradition.
"I don't know how many students showed up, but this has been the largest senior sunrise since I've been here for five years," said Marla Wormley, 12th Grade Assistant Principal.
"During the pandemic, they were 6th graders, and they missed out on so many activities," said Rachel Colon, who is a teacher and sponsor for the Class of 2026. "This year they're here. They get to show up to everything do it all!"
As the sun came up over the horizon, students couldn't help but think about what's in store for them during senior year and beyond.
"I hope I just have fun with everyone, like it feels like during senior year everyone becomes closer," said senior Lana Brown.
"I'm excited that I have to apply for college, which is kind of nerve-racking as well," said senior Leah Carne.
"I just hope to be successful and all the work I did here pays off," said Isaiah Williams-Heff.
The seniors got to go back home after their sunrise tradition. On Wednesday, every kid in Abington School District will be back in school.