Leah Barnes

Not all superheroes wear capes! Who are your heroes that have helped you through your high school years?

It’s time for seniors to reflect on their accomplishments and their school journey before they graduate. While achievements like grades, awards, and acceptance letters are often celebrated, the individuals who helped seniors with their successes are sometimes overlooked. These are the heroes who got us through; there are many adults who have shaped seniors to become the best versions of themselves.

Teachers are often the most influential figures in a student’s life. Whether it’s staying after school, offering encouragement during challenging times, or believing in a student, teachers are the ones who shape kids’ lives. Teachers should be appreciated for all the hard work they put in because they are the ones who transform the day to day.

For a senior’s journey, coaches, some affiliated with schools, others not, are some of the best guides for students. A good role model will shape athletes in attitude, values, and behavior. Coaches will always be there in a student’s last year with wins or losses, whether it’s on the field or not.

Friendships are a key part of high school for students. A lot of seniors will attend college and move away from their friends, but those who were around them will matter the most to them in the future. Children learn about empathy, care, and connection from friendship. Guiding people through the obstacles and hardships they may encounter, friends are the ones who were there for the highs and lows.

The most honest people can come from under the same roof. Family can be the hardest to live with, and often has the most impact on seniors. How one grows up determines their future and guides them to a path best suited for them. As seniors prepare to move away from home to start a new chapter, they carry the lessons and memories–good or bad–to grow into future generations.

Sometimes life events mean students need help dealing with things, and they need counselors. Counselors work with kids who need support, which helps them become emotionally mature. Seniors can reflect on their lives and acknowledge that they have become more emotionally intelligent because of counselors.

A senior’s success story will never be written alone. Whether they are friends, family, teachers, coaches, or counselors, these mentors are the heroes to the class of 2026 graduates. The influence from mentors who care, guide, and support can be the greatest part of a senior’s journey.

As graduation approaches, here’s to all the heroes out there who do the good work, helping kids accomplish their goals. Behind every cap and gown is a story of growth, sacrifice, and belief. So the question remains: Who is your hero?