Palo Alto High School has been changed by the Class of 2016. In all aspects of high school life, the Class of 2016 has contributed positively to Paly and to the Palo Alto community as a whole. Academic, athletic, musical and theatrical achievements have been ubiquitous throughout the four years that the Class of 2016 has roamed Paly. This class has grown so much and has become so much closer throughout these four years. The people we’ve met, the memories we’ve made and the fun we’ve had will never be forgotten. Even after we walk down the aisle at graduation, we will always be the Palo Alto High School Class of 2016.
[divider]Freshman[/divider]
The Paly experience isn’t quite complete without a little cross-town rivalry with Henry M. Gunn High School. Paly Football played Gunn for the last time, beating them 48-0.
Anonymous Paly freshman defecated on Gunn field in the first display of the school rivalry by the Class of 2016, which was later marked by a multitude of Twitter wars and athletic competitions. His suspension led to an uprising on social media #free*****.
The Class of 2016 was welcomed to Paly as it witnessed over 100 streakers darting through the quad — dressed in zany outfits that did not cover nearly enough skin — at the end of the year.
[divider]Sophomore[/divider]
Our sophomore year was marked by a change in Paly principals: Former Principal Phil Winston was replaced by Principal Kim Diorio. The shift in administration would soon result in several changes evident on campus.
On the final day of Spirit Week, the juniors, faced with impending loss threw a burrito at a sophomore spirit dancer. The week had already been marked by a fight and destruction of a Ranch Day display, launching a feud between the classes that lasted through to the next year.
[divider]Junior[/divider]
Now one of the coolest buildings on campus, the MAC opened only a year and a half ago. It was intended to house the journalism program as well as some English classes; it has since expanded to be a popular study and hang out place.
The iconic Paly tradition came to an abrupt end as the administration cracked down on streaking. While many saw it as the end of an era, the need for the change was ultimately embraced.
If there’s one class who knows how to Spirit Week, it’s the Class of 2016. Determined to beat the Class of 2015, we maintained first place for the majority of the week, but were robbed of the victory at the last second.
[divider]Senior[/divider]
Following a special ceremony, the 86-year-old gym was torn down, leaving many athletic teams without a place to practice.
The seniors managed to maintain a strong hold on Spirit Week, holding first place throughout the week. The road to this well-deserved victory came with a lot of bonding, energy, and all-out fun. This year’s Spirit Week also included a night rally, complete with two streakers.
The theater construction that had been blocking the short path to Town and Country finally came to an end as the Performing Arts Center (PAC) was completed and opened. According to the students who have snuck in, it boasts several balconies and an atrium, among other features.
Following the Class of 2015’s s**t show that was senior camping, the Class of 2016 was forced to find a new location for the annual event before cut day. Despite switching campsites twice, they pulled it off, with no citations and even a complimentary email from the site host to our very own JBerkson. Meanwhile at Tunitas, Gunn seniors spent their night complaining on Twitter — Paly always does it better.
