With graduation around the corner, many seniors find themselves reminiscing about movies and TV shows that evoke nostalgia and portray the feeling of closing this significant chapter in their lives.
By Piper Figallo
When reflecting on their high school experiences, many people often recall the movie “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
This musical portrays the struggles, but memorable times many teenagers face while attending high school. Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez, and the rest of the Wildcats navigate the pressures of college decisions, relationships, and saying goodbye to their memorable high school years. As they are preparing for the musical production, tension is high with the testing of friendships and relationships, but excitement is also present with the anticipation of prom and graduation. Towards the end of the movie, the Wildcats come together to create an unforgettable graduation ceremony that signifies the beginning of a new era in their lives as they go on to college. This movie successfully captures the experiences teenagers in high school go through along with the eventful and exciting journey of growing up.
In addition to the nostalgic feeling that this musical gives off, there are many graduation episodes of shows that capture the bittersweet feeling of completing high school and stepping into new beginnings.
In “Gilmore Girls” Season 3, Episode 22, “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio”, Rory Gilmore has a memorable graduation from her High School called Chilton. The viewers often feel emotional while watching this scene because while she is giving her valedictorian speech, her loved ones in the crowd are supporting her, especially her mom, who raised her as a single mother, and who she is super close to. The significance of this episode is that it symbolizes a new chapter in her life regarding her acceptance to universities and that she will be on the path to pursuing her dreams that she has worked so hard for in high school. The episode highlights the bittersweet feeling that graduation brings upon students, and celebrates accomplishments and changes as students step into a new chapter of life.
“Hannah Montana” Season 4, Episode 12, “I Am Mamaw, Hear Me Roar!”, follows Miley’s journey as she goes through the challenges of balancing her celebrity persona, Hannah Montana, with her desire for a normal high school experience. She is torn between choosing to continue her music career as Hannah Montana and her longing for a normal teenage experience. While contemplating this tough decision she has to make, she receives guidance from her grandmother, Mamaw. Mamaw encouraged Miley to follow her heart and embrace her true self. This episode dives into the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the obstacles that one may face while having to make a significant decision.
In the heartwarming episode “Cap and Gown & Can’t be Found” from Season 4, Episode 17 of “Austin & Ally”, the tight-knit group of friends which consists of Austin, Ally, Trish, and Dez, face some obstacles right before their graduation. Ally has a missing library book, which will stop her from walking at graduation. While tracking down Ally’s book, this episode shows the value of friendship and how they are all looking out for one another. Alongside this conflict, Trish spends her last moments of high school taking pictures and staging memories to add to the yearbook. Through humor, comedy, and emotional scenes in the show, it shares the power of friendship and how present-day challenges can be laughable memories in the future.
During “Gossip Girl” Season 2, Episode 25 “The Goodbye Gossip Girl”, Serena, Blair, Chuck, Nate, and Dan are all graduating after their interesting and drama-filled high school experience. Gossip Girl stirs things up by sending out a message during the commencement ceremony, reminding everyone that they cannot escape the toxicity that Gossip Girl brings into all these characters’ lives. This episode delivers drama, and suspense while it also sets the stage for the characters’ futures beyond high school. Their graduation along with just the show in general displays the transition from high school to adult life, and it captures the excitement, nostalgia, and uncertainty that many seniors face as they are getting ready to embark on new journeys.
Farewell Redwood
xoxo, Class of 2024
Piper Figallo
Piper Figallo '24 is a student at Redwood High school. Piper is dedicated to using her writing skills to produce great stories for the Redwood Gigantea.
