When it comes to days off, students at Academy are very different about how they want to spend their days. Some like to go shopping, some like to hang out with friends, some hang at home, and others do volunteering around the community. While the Academy freshman, sophomores, and juniors took the PSAT on Wednesday, October 15, seniors had the day off. The class of 2026 has their hands full, keeping up with schoolwork, balancing extracurriculars, and finalizing college applications.
Some students used this time to catch up on rest. After late nights of studying and essay writing, sleeping in felt like a luxury. Others decided to spend the day outdoors, taking advantage of the weather as it slowly starts to cool down. Groups of friends went to the beach, local coffee shops, parks, and other places to relax that don’t involve anything school related.
“I went out to brunch with my friends downtown, we got dressed up and took cute pictures together,” said Annabelle Bennett (‘26).
For others, the day was about productivity and planning out the future and what it holds for them. Many seniors scheduled college tours, filled out applications or worked on scholarship essays for the college of their dreams. The timing couldn’t have been better, it gave them the space to focus while not being around so many other people worrying about the class they are sitting in.
“I toured Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University on my day off, I had so much fun and loved seeing both of the schools,” said Madison Pfeuffer (‘26).
Not everyone spent the day the same way, and that’s what made it special. Some students took advantage of the quiet to focus on hobbies like painting, baking, or reading. While others chose to give back, spending the day volunteering around the community. Several students helped at local shelters, food banks, clothing drives, and lent a hand wherever it was. Acts like these show how even a single day off can be used to make such a big difference in someone else’s life. Taking time to serve others not only helps the community but it also gives students a sense of perspective of what other people go through and how lucky we really are.
“I volunteered at a clothing store to help donate clothes for women in need, it showed me how lucky we really are and I would 100% do it again,” said Nora Nilaj (‘26).
These moments of pause are especially important for seniors who are nearing the end of their high school journey. With only 190 days left until Senior Farewell, the pressure starts to build now. College decisions coming back, girls making their choices, putting down deposits, or still waiting for their dream college to give a response.
