Class of 2025 kicks off HOCO season

As the sun rose over Burroughs High School last Saturday, the class of 2025 gathered to participate in a cherished tradition: painting B Mountain. This year, they used their paint buckets and brushes to transform “24” into “25,” marking their upcoming graduation and the entry into Homecoming season.
“B Mountain couldn’t happen without the support of the Naval Base,” said Principal Carrie Cope. “I am incredibly grateful for the partnershp Burroughs High School has with the leaders of China Lake, especially Jessie Vazquez, the school liaison officer, and Captain Van Allen. This is a Burroughs tradition that all seniors look forward to each year. We rely on our partnership with the base to keep the tradition going.”
This year’s B-Mountain painting kicked off with an early morning “senior sunrise,” with the Class of 2025 enjoying donuts and a chance to immortalize the school’s eight decades of existence. With the sunrise providing a celebratory backdrop, the group of seniors formed themselves into an “80” for a commemorative group photo.
The students and parent chaperones then gathered in the gym for a reminder of the rules before caravanning up the mountain, armed with protective goggles, coveralls, and plastic-wrapped carseats.
“It was a memorable experience because the whole class put aside any issues they had and came together for the day,” said senior Estrella Ruiz. The event brought students closer as they worked side by side, creating a sense of unity among classmates.
The students made quick work of the transformation, using their brown paint to cover and white to add where necessary.
Of course, the most memorable part was not actually changing the “4” to a “5,” but instead, getting drenched in paint by all.
“We did a good job getting everyone covered in paint, but fixing the ‘5’ was definitely not the main focus for many,” said senior Emi Fisher.
Year after year, painting B Mountain (and each other) ranks as one of the favorite Homecoming activities for the senior class.
“I like it because it really sets in that we’re seniors and in a few months we’ll be gone,” said senior Daisy Risden. “B Mountain can be that lasting impression for some people.”
That lasting impression has been captured not only in memories or even permanently stained clothing, but also in photographs taken on the day.
Since students were not allowed to take personal cameras or phones up the mountain, Yearbook Advisor Susie Burgess and Senior Class Advisor Jessica Wilson were on hand to take before and after photos, friend groups, and candids. All seniors will receive online access to view and download any photos.