The road to graduation officially began Tuesday evening as a large crowd of Rome High School seniors and their families gathered in the school gymnasium for one of the year's most meaningful traditions, the Senior Pinning Ceremony.
The annual event marked the first major milestone of senior year as students received a commemorative pin from family members and pledged to make the most of their final year at Rome High School before crossing the graduation stage at Barron Stadium in May.
"This year is special, not just because it marks the end of one chapter, but because it sets the foundation for your future," Rome High School Principal Dr. Christy Epps told the Class of 2027. "Whether your next step is college, entering the workforce or pursuing another passion, my promise to you is that you will leave Rome High School prepared, confident and equipped to lead."
Before families pinned their students, Dr. Epps reminded seniors how quickly the coming months will pass.
"As of today, you have 176 school days left as seniors and just 290 calendar days until graduation," Dr. Epps said. "While graduation may seem far away, every moment between tonight's pinning ceremony and the day you walk across that stage matters."
Dr. Epps encouraged students to embrace every opportunity during their final year by living out Rome High School's core values.
"I encourage you to love all and lead as one by supporting your classmates and lifting each other up when the journey gets tough," Dr. Epps said. "Listen with purpose to the mentors, teachers and family members who believe in you, and learn daily by embracing challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow into critical thinkers and resilient leaders."
Following her remarks, seniors recited a pledge together, promising to work hard, support one another and finish their high school careers with purpose and pride.
The ceremony's most memorable moment came when students handed their commemorative pins to parents, grandparents, siblings and other loved ones. Throughout the gymnasium, family members carefully pinned the keepsake onto their seniors as hugs, proud smiles, laughter and more than a few tears filled the room.
Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said the Senior Pinning Ceremony has become one of his favorite Rome High School traditions because it celebrates not only the accomplishments of the students, but also the families who helped them reach this milestone.
"Senior year is filled with moments that students and families will remember for the rest of their lives, and the pinning ceremony is where that journey truly begins," Dr. Holland said. "Watching parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones pin these students is an emotional reminder that no one reaches this milestone alone. It's a celebration of the hard work, sacrifices and unwavering support that have helped prepare these young men and women for the future."
Dr. Epps also reminded students that while senior year belongs to them, it is also a celebration of the people who have supported them.
"Your success tonight and in the months ahead is shared by parents, grandparents and family members who have supported you every step of the way," Dr. Epps said. "Wear your pins with honor as a reminder of where you've come from, how hard you've worked, and the commitment you're making to your future."
The Senior Pinning Ceremony serves as the unofficial beginning of a memorable year for the Class of 2027. In the months ahead, seniors will experience many of the traditions that make their final year at Rome High School so special, including homecoming festivities, College Reveal Day, prom, the Senior Picnic, Senior Walks through their former elementary schools, honors day, Baccalaureate and, ultimately, commencement on May 22, 2027, when they will cross the stage at Barron Stadium as Rome High School graduates.