Coral Reef Senior High's Class of 2027 gathered at Matheson Hammock Park before sunrise to kick off their final year, continuing a tradition that sends each senior class into the school year watching the sun come up over Biscayne Bay.

The pre-dawn gathering, organized by Student Government and the Parents Association, brought seniors together at the park on Old Cutler Road before the first day of the 2026-27 school year. The exact date has not been confirmed, but the tradition calls for students to arrive early on the morning before classes begin.

It's a Coral Reef staple.

Student journalist Mika Ringel documented the morning in the debut episode of her "Mika on the Mic" vlog series, published Friday, Aug. 21, on The Raider Voice, the school's student newspaper. Ringel captured early-morning excitement, funny moments and students sharing what they're looking forward to in their senior year.

Senior Sunrise has been part of the Coral Reef calendar for years. The Class of 2025 held its version on Aug. 13, 2024, gathering at 6:30 a.m. at the same Matheson Hammock Park & Marina location, according to prior Raider Voice coverage. That event was also organized by Student Government and the Parents Association, establishing the format the Class of 2027 followed.

Ringel's "Mika on the Mic" series will continue throughout the 2026-27 school year, with future episodes covering senior milestones as the class moves toward graduation. No date for the next installment has been announced.