BY JADE
CAM High School Class of 2027
The familiar faces, Friday night games, early mornings, long days at the fair, and friendships that have been part of your story for years. For Brookelyn Steffen, a senior at CAM High School, these are some of the moments that have shaped who she is and the memories she’ll carry long after graduation. As part of the Class of 2027, Brookelyn is stepping into one of those seasons where everything feels a little bittersweet. There are still memories to make, games to play, and milestones to celebrate, but there’s also the realization that this chapter won't last forever. And that's exactly why senior photos mean so much more than simply having something to put in a graduation announcement.
More Than Just a Senior Photo
Brookelyn's high school years have been filled with the things she loves most: showing cattle and pigs, running track, and spending time with her friends. Between agriculture and athletics, she's learned the value of hard work, dedication, and showing up for the things that matter to her. One of her greatest accomplishments so far has been competing at state track, a milestone that represents years of effort and determination. Whether she's competing on the track or spending time in the show ring, Brookelyn has made the most of the opportunities that come with growing up in a rural community.
And somewhere between all the practices, competitions, and everyday moments, she's been building a collection of memories that will mean even more years down the road.
The Little Things That Make Her, Her
One of my favorite parts of photographing seniors is getting to know the person beyond the camera. The little details might seem random now, but they're part of what makes this chapter so personal.
For Brookelyn, that includes country music, especially Chris Stapleton and his song The Day I Die. She loves the colors red and pink, a good game of pickleball, traveling to Colorado, and apparently pickles and fruit are always a good choice. Her favorite movie is Tangled, her favorite book is The Day the World Stopped Turning, and Digital Media has been one of her favorite classes throughout high school. As someone who makes a living creating photos and videos, I always love hearing when seniors enjoy the creative side of things, too. It's these little pieces of personality that I love incorporating into the storytelling behind a senior session. Because years from now, it's not just about remembering what you looked like. It's about remembering who you were.
A Chapter Worth Holding Onto
When I asked Brookelyn what she'll miss most about high school, her answer was simple: playing sports and making memories with her friends. Friends like Ada Hansen, Ruthie Rich, and Ashlyn Wallace have been part of this chapter, and those friendships are often some of the hardest things to leave behind when graduation comes around. As for what she won't miss? School lunch. And honestly, that's probably a pretty relatable answer for most graduating seniors. But Brookelyn's advice to underclassmen says a lot about the perspective she's gained along the way: "Be involved in activities and don't take it for granted because high school goes by fast." And she's right. Four years can feel like forever when you're living them, but somehow graduation arrives before you know it. The ordinary days become memories. The last meets, final competitions, and everyday moments with friends start to carry a little more meaning.
Looking Ahead to What's Next
Following graduation on May 16, 2027, Brookelyn plans to attend college and pursue a degree in business. It's a new chapter filled with possibilities, new experiences, and opportunities to continue growing into the person she's becoming. One of her favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." It's a meaningful reminder to carry into a season of change, especially when the future holds so many unknowns. And while there's plenty to look forward to, there's also something worth celebrating about exactly where she is right now.
The Story Behind the Senior Photos
I've always believed senior photos should feel like more than a checklist of poses and pretty locations. They're an opportunity to document a person during a season that only happens once. For Brookelyn, that story includes small-town roots, agriculture, athletics, friendships, faith, and dreams of building a future in business. Someday, these photographs will become a little glimpse back into the person she was at seventeen. Before college, before new routines, before all the changes that come with growing up. And that's what I love most about this work. We aren't just documenting what someone looks like in this moment. We're preserving a piece of a story that's still being written.
Brookelyn, congratulations on your senior year! Here's to one more season of making memories, chasing goals, and enjoying everything that makes this chapter yours.
