A Colorful Goodbye

Sana Schaden, Izzie Jacob, Elliot Bramson, and Henry Connor|June 1, 2023

A sea of candles, one for each CHS senior, flooded Craft theater after school on Thursday May 25. As per tradition, the Senior Celebration commenced with a short ceremony in which seniors would collect a candle; this represented their surrounding community including teachers, parents and friends.

“It’s kind of symbolic of how we’re blowing out one light, and starting a new one,” Simon Shabi, CHS senior, said. “I’m excited to go on to new things, but I’m going to miss all of the people that I’ve been with the last four years.”

Next—as per tradition—seniors headed to the front lawn for a more colorful celebration. Everyone circled up with color powder packets in hand, ready to charge the center and release a cloud of color. This practice of throwing color on one another in commemoration is similar to those of the Hindu holiday Holi, which often includes large colorful festivals that represent new beginnings and coming together.

“That was a very Community thing to do, coming together and throwing all the colors,” Christopher Vasquez, CHS senior, said. “I really enjoyed this. Everyone’s walking around, taking selfies and talking to [and] talking to each other. It seems like it represents the last four years.”

As the cloud of powder settled and the color set into clothes and skin, seniors gathered for photos, videos and goodbyes.

“It’s been an upsetting week, kind of like the end of an era,” Zoe Simmons, CHS senior said. “As cheesy as it is, at Community everyone knows everyone. You walk through the halls, and you can just smile at people and be fine. That’s something you don’t really get at big colleges.”

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About the Writers

Sana Schaden, Web Editor-in-Chief

Sana Schaden is a senior at CHS. This is her 6th semester on staff, and first semester as Web Editor in Chief. When she is not in room 300 writing and editing articles, Sana spends her time on the tennis courts, filling her sketchbooks with artwork, listening to Spotify, studying at a coffee shop, or spending time with friends and family. As a Peer Educator for Planned Parenthood, Sana also strives to find the intersection between her activism work and her journalism.

Izzie Jacob, Print Editor-in-Chief

Isabella (or Izzie) is a senior at Community and is thrilled to be continuing her journalism career. When she’s not watching Marvel movies or taking 0.5 pictures, she’s usually listening to her playlist, which contains music from M.I.A. to Kendrick Lamar. After school, you can find her objecting in mock trial or drinking a surplus of chai. Her favorite part of journalism is talking about issues that don't get enough attention and advocating for the rights of immigrants and women of color.

Elliot Bramson, Print Editor-in-Chief

Elliot Bramson is a senior at Community High School. This is his 3rd year on Communicator staff and first as a Print Editor-in-Chief. When he’s not at school or doing homework, he enjoys watching and talking about movies, rowing, and listening to music. He spends his summers as a counselor at an overnight camp. He is excited for the year ahead!

Henry Connor, A&E Editor

Henry Connor is a senior at Community High School and this is his third year on staff. Outside of the CHS doors, you will generally find Henry watching television or driving around listening to his favorite tunes. He also enjoys outsmarting his friends in fantasy football, and finding any analysis video he can on YouTube about his favorite movies and shows. He loves A&E and is excited to bring his plans and ideas to the table this year.

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