Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Strauss ’25:
On May 29, the class of 2025 boarded the Hornblower cruise lines for the Senior Sendoff cruise around Manhattan, the annual capstone for the senior class, allowing them to spend time with peers and teachers before becoming alumni.
The seniors arrived at Kellenberg, dressed in their finest suits and dresses. They boarded the coach buses lining the parking lot and traveled to South Street, where the chartered 3-deck yacht awaited the class of ‘25.
On the ship, buffet dinner included short ribs, pasta, and salads prepared by the ship’s fantastic crew. The seniors devoured the food, as their appetites had grown significantly from the long bus ride. Sitting with their whole class for the last time before graduation, seniors shared a meal to party anthems blasted by the onboard DJ.
After the dinner, the seniors periodically filed to the deck of the ship to take in the views of New York City. The ship raised its anchor and began to glide down the East River into New York Harbor. On the deck the seniors took pictures with their classmates and teachers, forever memorializing the Class of 2025.
One spot was particularly popular with the seniors for photos. As the ship moved past the Statue of Liberty, the students flocked to the edges of the boat for the perfect photo op in front of New York’s greatest landmark.
Senior Brendan Spear said, “I’m so happy with the photos I got in front of the Statue of Liberty. Having all my classmates in one spot before I graduate is great, especially for the pictures!”
As the boat turned to return to the pier, a familiar Kellenberg face made a long-awaited appearance. None other than DJ OB took control of the turntables to play the seniors the Kellenberg classics, with a few new additions as well. For the last time, the class of 2025 danced the night away to Freshman Dance hits like “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band and “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, along with songs for Future Firebirds like “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.”
The senior guys and girls even separated for bass and alto vocals on “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, singing “I don’t wanna die” with so much spirit anyone would believe them.
Senior Delaney Clark said, “Dancing with my friends to the Kelleberg classics was the perfect end to my time at Kellenberg, from Latin School to now.”
When the ship pulled back into the pier, the students disembarked and headed back to their buses, but not without saying their heartfelt farewells to teachers and classmates alike.
Senior Sendoff was the best possible end to the Kellenberg careers of the incredible class of 2025. It brought everything Kellenberg functions are known for together: music, food, and a lot of Firebird spirit.
