On May 1, the GHCDS Class of 2026 came together in the Library to celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones of their senior year—National Decision Day. It was a day filled with pride, reflection, and excitement as students officially committed to the next chapter of their academic journeys.
The celebration began with students proudly sporting their college gear—t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts representing the schools they will soon call home. The room buzzed with energy as classmates admired one another’s choices and shared in the excitement of what lies ahead.
In a heartfelt moment of gratitude, seniors took time to write personal letters to faculty and staff, reflecting on the teachers, mentors, and community members who have supported them along the way. Faculty, in turn, wrote words of advice and encouragement to the Class, and left clever clues as to who wrote them, which were shared in a "Jeopardy-style" game, eliciting plenty of speculation and competition!
It was a powerful reminder that while their journeys are taking them far and wide, they carry the spirit of GHCDS with them.
Students then gathered around a map of the United States and beyond, marking their destinations for the fall. From Loyola University, UVI, UMass Amherst, University of Tampa, Johns Hopkins University, William & Mary, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Tufts University, the University of North Florida, and more—the Class of 2026 is heading in many directions, each path filled with promise and possibility.
The celebration concluded with pizza, cupcakes, laughter, and plenty of photos—a joyful and well-earned moment to celebrate both individual accomplishments and the strength of the class as a whole.
At GHCDS, Decision Day is more than just a commitment to a college—it is a celebration of growth, perseverance, and the power of community. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and cannot wait to see the impact they will make in the world.
Once a Panther, always a Panther.
