New Senior Lounge Gives Marathon Seniors a Place to Connect

The Class of 2026 made history as the first graduating class to enjoy Marathon Jr./Sr. High School's new senior lounge, a space designed to celebrate their accomplishments and give them a place to call their own during their final year.

Superintendent Jamie Coppola recognized that seniors deserved more than gathering in a section of the hallway. He envisioned a dedicated space where students could relax, study, connect with classmates, and gather for milestone events and special recognitions throughout the school year.

"I wanted them to feel special as a culmination of 13 years of hard work here in the Marathon School District," Coppola said. "I wanted them to feel extra special and have somewhere they could hang out and have some liberties beyond other grades."

Throughout the year, the lounge became a popular destination during free periods. Some students used the space to study, while others appreciated having a comfortable place to spend time with friends.

Graduate Nash Coleman said the lounge gave him and his classmates an opportunity to bond and connect outside the classroom. For fellow graduate Elizabeth VanCise, it provided a quiet place to focus on schoolwork and "get work done in a quiet area."

Although the Class of 2026 was the first to enjoy the senior lounge, its impact extends well beyond one graduating class. The space is expected to become a lasting tradition, giving future Marathon seniors a place to celebrate their final year and create memories of their own.