Eight Years in the Blink of an Eye: Celebrating Our Lifers

“Lifers” refer to our seniors who have attended Overlake since the fifth grade. These students — 24 total in the Class of 2025 — have played a significant role in shaping the culture of the Overlake community. As the longest standing members of their classes, Lifers have welcomed and guided their peers, and many have become leaders in their teams and activities. On Monday, those seniors plus their parents and guardians gathered in the 5/6 amphitheater for the first annual Lifer Celebration!

Families were welcomed by Head Owl Gretchen Warner and Director of Alumni Engagement, Jenni Baldwin, then heard from fifth grade faculty Patricia Noble, Sarah Mansour, and former faculty member Neal Iezzi. After receiving words of encouragement from their very first teachers here (including a surprise Latin pop quiz), the seniors collected some Lifer swag and took pictures next to their fifth-grade yearbook photos.

Created by Baldwin, the event is a new tradition designed to kick off the season of senior celebrations. It’s the beginning of the seniors' transition from students to alumni, and the event honors their families’ commitment to Overlake.

Over their eight years here, our 2025 Lifers have seen a lot of change. While at Overlake, their learning was interrupted by a pandemic, they’ve seen the construction of two new buildings, and they’ve witnessed a new era begin under the leadership of Gretchen Warner.

Senior Lifer Dahlia R. says she’s happy to have seen changes at Overlake that are specifically centered on improving student health and wellness. “There’s a lot more free time for students built into the schedule than there used to be,” she says, referencing the newly introduced flex block and late start on Wednesdays. “It gives us a lot of time to work on schoolwork and study...it’s been a really positive improvement.” 

Change is good, but continuity in the right areas is equally important. Over the eight years she’s been at Overlake, Dahlia says, “It’s always been a really supportive community. I feel like I always have teachers I can rely on.” All Overlake students have the opportunity to build strong bonds with faculty who provide them with mentorship and guidance throughout their time here. 

Dahlia reflected on some of the most impactful experiences she’s had at Overlake like Project Week and service days, which she’s participated in since fifth grade. “Those programs are designed to help Overlake students mature and grow. They set students up for success in the real world, and they are a big part of the reason why I’m leaving as well-adjusted as I am today.” 

Believe it or not, our 2025 seniors are rapidly approaching their final days as students on this campus! Today, they gathered for Decision Day, marking another milestone for those who have decided what they’re doing next after high school. This was followed by an alumni initiation, beginning their transitions from students to Overlake alumni. After May 8th, they’ll be off campus working on their Senior Projects, culminating in presentations on June 4th and 5th.