This week, our senior class of 2026 celebrated their final college decisions during the annual tradition of Decision Day! Final decisions are due May 1st, so our senior class celebrated the end of their high school era on Thursday, April 30th.
Seniors gathered in the football stadium wearing their college shirts. They enjoyed a donut breakfast and spent time celebrating their accomplishments. This year, students are taking a variety of routes in their post high school lives. The majority of students attend a 4 year college or university, but there are numerous other options.
Tara Talwar is committed to the Air Force Academy for swimming. Joining the Air Force is certainly a specific niche, but Talwar is ready for the challenge.
“I chose the US Air Force Academy because it’s a combination of a lifestyle with discipline and structure,” said Talwar. “I have always wanted to do something more than being a student athlete at school itself, so being held to the standard of one serving our country is a privilege and gives me purpose.”
Stepping into this new life, she also is traveling because the academy is located in Colorado. Talwar has always wanted to go out-of-state to experience a new life on her own. Molly Valentine, is looking to do the same thing as she travels to the University of Denver.
Valentine said, “I wanted to go out of state because I wanted to be in a place where I’m meeting all different people. A lot of people that go to Denver aren’t from Colorado, so everyone is new to everyone.”
Going so far from home means stepping out of your comfort zone, but no one is more excited for the change of scenery than Valentine. Valentine fell in love with Colorado after the semester school she attended her junior year. Not only does she love the beautiful land but also the endless activities.
“The weather there is amazing and there is so much to do. It’s not like North Carolina where you have to drive a few hours to get to the mountains or the beach, everything’s really close,” said Valentine. “I just always loved the mountains more than the beach.”
Whether you’re going near or far, college is always an opportunity to meet new people and create a new life for yourself. College also comes with independence and the ability to learn more about the world. For Valentine, Denver is the perfect place to do that.
Valentine said, “I think that will be a really good opportunity and I’m excited to meet new people and be away from home, but in a way that I’m learning more about the world and learning more about myself.”
As for Sadie Wortman, her college decision was based on her running career. Sadie Wortman has won numerous conference championships in cross country and track during her time at Green Level. And she is going to continue her success at App State University.
Wortman said, “I started thinking about running in college at the end of sophomore year when I became serious about running. I loved the idea of being a student athlete and challenging myself on both levels.”
App State stood out to Wortman amongst the other schools she visited because she connected really well with the team, the coach, and loved the campus. App State checked all of her boxes, and I’m sure she’ll thrive!
Decision Day served as a meaningful reminder that even though the Class of 2026 is closing a chapter, they are stepping into many different futures. As these seniors leave Green Level, they carry with them their memories and achievements, and are ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.
