Senior bucket lists

Everything the class of 2026 is hoping to do before they leave for college

Kylie Roman, Senior Staff Writer

May 20, 2026

Image depicts a scrapbook containing ideas for the OPHS seniors’ summer bucket lists (Art by Caroline Bi/The Talon)

Image depicts a campfire to show the camping and nature trips that the OPHS seniors are looking forward to.
(Art by Caroline Bi/The Talon)

With the summer season steadily approaching, many Oak Park High School seniors are anxiously awaiting their first summer as high school graduates.

For the class of 2026, the upcoming summer months represent fun and memorable moments in their lives, a combination of new and old traditions and a final sense of closure before parting ways with friends and family.

Despite the chaos of final exams and graduation, this years’ OPHS seniors have already begun envisioning and planning their perfect summer for after they graduate. For some, it can bring upon a mix of emotions.

“I’m feeling kind of bittersweet because I think that [this summer is] going to be a great opportunity to hang out with my high school friends and do things that we probably never got a chance to do,” senior Diya Varrier said. “But I am also sad because it’s probably my last summer where all of us will be together.”

For others, the emotional response won’t officially hit until everyone departs and reality sets in.

Image depicts a campfire to show the camping and nature trips that the OPHS seniors are looking forward to. (Art by Caroline Bi/The Talon) (Caroline Bi)

Image depicts the most common forms of travel for the OPHS seniors, as well as a fan favorite summer activity - shopping.
(Art by Caroline Bi/The Talon)

As the countdown to graduation begins, seniors are beginning to figure out their priorities and goals for the summer, with one common theme in mind: make it the best last summer possible.

While some are thrill seekers, others seek fun in doing simpler tasks.

“Honestly, [I plan on] just visiting LA a lot because I don’t know if I’ll end up going to college here,” senior Ayla Sadrpour said. “So, I definitely want to go downtown, and go to all of the museums and art galleries.”

Many seniors plan to spend their time in California before leaving for college in another state.

“[I want to] spend as much time as possible with the friends and family that I know are staying [in California] because I’m moving for college across the country,” senior Ella McNally said. “So I’m going to spend as much time as possible here and definitely enjoy the nice weather in California.”

Coordinating these large senior trips is certainly not an easy task.

Regardless of complications and restrictions, many seniors are still brainstorming, determined to make their travel blueprints a reality.

Image depicts the most common forms of travel for the OPHS seniors, as well as a fan favorite summer activity – shopping. (Art by Caroline Bi/The Talon) (Caroline Bi)

Some seniors plan senior trips as a way to cram in exploring as much of the world as possible before going out and creating their own world in college. Others are simply looking forward to settling down in their new college town and getting used to their new lifestyle.

“I have a small senior trip that’s kind of connected with college. I’m going to Pennsylvania to get set up there since I’m moving for college over there,” McNally said. “But I also have family up there, so I’m definitely going to [spend] time with them while I get ready for college.”

Whether they’re going on a senior trip to another country, or just simply exploring California with friends, the OPHS senior class of 2026 is going to make the most of their last summer with the people they love most.

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