Summer comes to a screeching halt with seeds and sports. For many, the annual Watermelon Supper is a great way to kick off the school year. For seniors, it is a nostalgic way to kick off the end. Freshman through junior year culminated as a jump into senior year on August 19.

As with most school events, seniors are at the forefront of coordinating and planning Watermelon Supper, making it both exciting and stressful. However, at the end of the day, spending time with friends and eating the title fruit makes the event a highlight of the year.

“While it was stressful at times, I really enjoyed planning our last Watermelon Supper,” student body president Jenna Williamson said. “Putting in so much work and then to see it all pay off, was one of the best experiences.”

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors do not experience the backend of events, while seniors are leading the behind the scenes and the center stage of the event. Seeing the entire process can make it much more meaningful.

“The last Watermelon Supper was by far the most fun one since I got a chance to speak and I helped a lot behind the scenes setting it up,” senior Nick Mitchell said. “I was really proud to represent the [tennis] team in front of the student body, and I felt like the spirit of the event was the best it’s ever been.”

For seniors, it means the last time formally representing organizations they have spent all of high school a part of and an ending to their time spent with people and activities they are passionate about.

“It was also such an amazing experience to be able to announce myself as student body president at my last Watermelon Supper. Having a title that I’ve worked so hard for, for so long, was very rewarding,” Williamson said. “With that, all of the thoughts and emotions about us being seniors and going through all of the ‘lasts’ is saddening, but I’m so excited for this year and everything this senior class is going to accomplish.”

Going from a freshman wishing they could speak at the pep rally to being a senior leading the charge can be emotional for many. Watermelon Supper shows evolution in students and their time at Texas High.

“It’s crazy that we are seniors,” senior Bryson Harris said. “It still feels like just yesterday we were freshman looking up to the seniors at Watermelon Supper and now we are on top. It’s sad but I’m excited to move on.”

Watermelon Supper is a tradition that has branded Texas High for as long as anyone can remember, and it is a highlight for many students. The trademark kick off event is a great way to wrap up the four years spent at Texas High.

“My last Watermelon Supper was very special. It’s always of my favorite events, not only because watermelon is my favorite food, but also because it’s the kick off to the school year,” cheer captain Emma Lindsay said. “It was bittersweet knowing it was my last time. I knew I was going to miss it, but I was happy to have had the opportunity to cheer these past four years.”