College Park Senior Lighting Opens Class of 2027’s Final Year

Campus Life

Annual tradition calls seniors to lead, cherish their remaining time together and carry College Park’s values into the future.

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — College Park High School’s Class of 2027 marked the official beginning of its final year together Monday evening during the school’s annual Senior Lighting Ceremony.

Held in the College Park auditorium, the ceremony served as both a celebration and a call for seniors to become leaders and role models within the school and community. The lighting of the Class of 2027 numerals represented the students’ knowledge, personal growth and the future ahead of them.

Student body president Kennedy McKnight welcomed the seniors and their families before delivering a message about hope, uncertainty and appreciating the ordinary moments that will eventually become high school memories.

“This year is exactly what we will make of it,” McKnight told the class. “Don’t wait for the opportunities to come to you. Seize them. Make the most of this unique time.”

McKnight opened her address with a quote from Desmond Tutu: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

She used that message to encourage seniors to notice the familiar faces, crowded hallways, Friday night activities and sense of community that can be easy to overlook during the school year.

“We don’t need to wait for the end of everything to look forward to something,” McKnight said after the ceremony. “We can find little moments along the way, and I think that a big part of senior year should be experiencing everything and taking it all in for what it is.”

Speaking from the stage as student body president was a milestone of its own for McKnight. In previous years, she had watched other student leaders conduct the ceremony and wondered when her turn would come.

“It really does feel surreal it actually being me this time,” McKnight said. “As soon as I got up there, the nerves just kind of went away.”

Principal Robert MacFarlane challenged the seniors to approach their classes with focus, participate in school activities, support one another and establish an example for the students who will follow them.

“As leaders, you also carry the responsibility to leave College Park better than you found it,” MacFarlane said.

He reminded the class to carry College Park’s core values of commitment, pride, honor and success beyond their senior year. Seniors also received commemorative Class of 2027 lapel pins representing those values.

MacFarlane recognized parents for helping students reach their senior year and encouraged the class to include their families in the celebrations and memories ahead.

The program began with a senior tribute slideshow prepared by Ted Bell that paired students’ childhood photographs with their senior portraits. College Park’s JROTC presented the colors, Cristina Montalvan led the Pledge of Allegiance, Rylin Burns led the Texas pledge and the choir performed the national anthem.

The program also recognized senior class executive officers McKnight, Montalvan, Burns and Jack Swan. College Park cheerleaders and Reveliers participated in the senior celebration, herald trumpets accompanied the lighting, and the band performed the school song and fight song.

A reception sponsored by the College Park PTO and Chick-fil-A followed in the foyer.

With the Class of 2027 numerals illuminated, the seniors left the ceremony with a reminder that the light associated with graduation is not limited to the end of the year. It can also be found in the experiences they will share along the way.

The Woodlands Student Center Staff

Senior Class Executive Officers: Jack Swan, Kennedy McKnight, Rylin Burns and Cristina Montalvan