Every year at Liberty, Scarborough is more than just a show — it’s a tradition, a community, and for many students, a defining part of their high school experience. For the Class of 2025, this year’s performance marks their final time stepping onto the Scarborough stage, and for seniors who have participated all four years, the moment carries extra weight. As rehearsals turn into tech week, dress rehearsals, and finally show nights, these students find themselves balancing exhaustion, excitement, and the bittersweet reality that this chapter of their lives is coming to an end.
For many seniors, Scarborough has been a constant presence throughout high school. Bayli Fuchs, who has participated all four years, described how meaningful the experience has been for her. “My favorite year was either this year or sophomore year. They were both Broadway themed, and I have been obsessed with Broadway since I could walk, so it’s so amazing to sing such iconic songs,” she said.
This year feels especially significant for Fuchs, not just because it’s her last, but because she can see how much growth she’s made as a performer. “I got vocal solos in an all-cast song and the all-girls number, which is super hard because there are 200 people in it. It felt like I could really see my growth from my first Scarborough to now.”
Emmerson Lippert, another four-year participant, also feels torn between past and present when choosing her favorite year. “My favorite was probably either junior year because it was Disney themed, or this year because I got a solo and treasured all the moments most since I’m leaving,” she reflects.
For Lippert, performing has always been about more than just singing and dancing. “Being in the spotlight and being able to express myself through being up on stage is so thrilling,” she said.
But behind the glitz of the stage lights is a lot of hard work. Liberty seniors describe how intense the weeks leading up to the show can be. Fuchs explained that tech week often means staying at school until 6:30 p.m., and show week can last until 8:30 p.m. “There’s a lot of standing and waiting for performers,” she said, adding that she and two friends even had a dinner rotation so their parents could make sure they were eating properly during the chaos.
Claire Cho, who joined Scarborough later in high school, describes show week like“full-on amazing chaos.” She explains how dress rehearsals often run late, and homework tends to get pushed aside. “We’re all exhausted, and most teachers know it’s show week by our faces,” she laughed.
Despite the long hours, the stress, and the balancing act between school, work, and rehearsals, our seniors all agree that the experience is worth it. Lippert shared how she often spends nearly the entire day at school during rehearsal weeks, from early morning until late evening. “I always pack snacks and drinks, and sometimes my friends and I bring cards to play when our parts aren’t running,” she said.
Balancing Scarborough with real life is another challenge. For example, Fuchs decided to take time off from work during show season. Though the decision was difficult, she sees it as a necessary sacrifice. Cho admits that she relies on late nights, early mornings, and “a LOT of energy drinks” to keep up with everything.
Still, the memories made during Scarborough outweigh any struggle. One of Lippert’s most emotional moments came during this year’s performance of You Will Be Found. “When we sang with all of our flashlights out and holding hands, I couldn’t help but sob every night,” she said. “It made me think about the fact that we are leaving and won’t do Scarborough again.”
For Cho, one of her most meaningful moments was being chosen to give the invocation on closing night. “It was so special to speak as a senior and encourage everyone to give their all for the last show,” she said. “I also made a lot of people cry.”
What makes this final performance truly special for all three seniors is the sense of community. Fuchs emphasized how Scarborough breaks down social barriers at Liberty. “I become friends with people I’ve never talked to before — football guys, StuCo kids, all kinds of people. It makes Liberty feel less intimidating and destroys cliques,” she said.
Cho echoes this sentiment, explaining why she will miss “the environment more than anything.” “Whether you’ve been dancing your whole life or you’re just a football player having fun, everyone comes together to put on a great show,” she said.
As they prepare to graduate, these seniors leave behind advice for future students considering Scarborough. Fuchs urges underclassmen: “PLEASE DO IT! It’s the most fun time of the school year.” Lippert adds, “If you’re on the fence, just go for it — you’ll make amazing friends and have unforgettable experiences.”
Cho offers perhaps the most emotional piece of wisdom: “Enjoy the moment. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be a senior crying during invocation, so have fun before it’s over.”
For these seniors, Scarborough is more than just a performance — it’s a home, a family, and a memory they will carry long after the final curtain closes.
