Senior beach week is a long-standing tradition for high school seniors across Montgomery County. It typically takes place after the last day of school for seniors and is seen as a celebratory rite of passage after finishing high school.
Beach week is a chance for soon-to-be graduates to unwind, spend quality time with friends and mark the transition from high school to the next chapter of life. “I have been looking forward to beach week my whole senior year because I get to be alone without my parents and have fun with friends without any stress of school,” senior Isabella Hovian said.
Organizing a successful beach week requires thoughtful planning and coordination. Important steps include selecting the perfect destination, booking suitable lodging, establishing budgets, arranging transportation, and choosing various activities.
Each part contributes to creating a memorable experience that reflects the group’s different personality and interests.
Once the destination is settled, the excitement builds. For most, days during beach week revolve around the sun, sand and sea.
Seniors Caitlin Doherty and Katie Reed eagerly set out each morning from their beach house, equipped with chairs and umbrellas, ready for adventure. “On our first day, the first thing we did was go to the beach because we all wanted to tan,” Doherty shared.
They enjoy hours of relaxation, bouncing between lounging on the sand, jumping into the refreshing ocean, and engaging in games of beach volleyball. “We spent those hours listening to music and just enjoying our time together,” she said.
Beach week is not just about soaking up the sun, it is also an opportunity to try new activities and create thrilling memories.
Activities like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking or banana boat rides are just one of activities that could be used to create long lasting memories. “My friends and I also signed up to try jet skiing on the Chesapeake Bay because my dad’s friend owns a couple of jet skis down there,” Doherty said.
Not every moment is high-energy. Seniors use the time to unwind. They find joy in quieter moments, engaging in movie nights, game nights, shared meals, and relaxing late-night strolls along the beach under the stars.
Kristina Khrimian, a 2024 graduate, highlighted the special connections made through these simpler moments. “I spent every night taking turns with my housemate cooking dinner to make it feel more like home, I think it added some comfort to the whole experience,” she said.
Each evening was an opportunity to bond through laughter, conversation and the comfort of sharing their favorite films with one another. “One thing that I felt helped me relax after the beach, but also connect with my friends more than anything, was introducing each other to our favorite movies,” Khrimian said.
There was a mix of excitement among seniors, with different activities standing out to each. Senior Rebecca Ognoridkov said, “I think I’m most excited for tanning because I have been looking pale.”
