For high school seniors, what beats seeing years of hard work pay off with an acceptance to your dream school? For many around the country, it might just be the excitement of getting their college commitment posted on Instagram.
In the past, social media allowed high school athletes to bask in the spotlight and celebrate their substantial achievements and rare gifts. Now, within the past few years, thanks to some determined students, schools across the country have given their very own students the chance to share the stage. At Old Tappan, 199 seniors took advantage of the NVOT Class of 2025 commitment page by offering their school, intended major, and even a baby picture of themself to the account’s admin. However, not as many have considered the face behind the page and the ample work a person voluntarily takes on to honor us. People often take for granted the energy required to take on such a responsibility, automatically expecting this luxury to appear. But luckily enough, NVOT senior Graciela Fajardo happily took on the role.
Fajardo always knew she wanted to take on the duty, as she first developed her digital design skills during the pandemic. “During Covid, I began learning a lot of digital media softwares as a way to keep myself busy, then found myself doing a lot of work for my dad’s companies ranging from advertising to even just fixing up posters for his office.” Fajardo said.
She quickly saw a way she could make use of her newly established hobby once she got to high school. “The committed account my freshman year was kind of plain,” she said. Fajardo was both intrigued and inspired to make a better product that everyone would find more aesthetic. In order to make sure her grade’s committed posts were fun and different, she poured a lot of time into designing and experimenting with different formats. She wanted to get it right and create a product that would both represent and satisfy the whole grade. She spent hours working on what would become a familiar and welcoming design. To ensure consistency, Fajardo developed a detailed template for each post, streamlining the process while still making room for individuality with school colors and personal baby pictures.
“I made the account at the end of sophomore year and didn’t touch it until July of my senior year,” she said. She garnered more inspiration through “feedback from [her] friends not only in this grade, but the grade above [her] as well.” She began developing a design theme by talking to others. “People wanted something more minimal, so I kept that in mind when designing the template,” she said.
Fajardo has shown a deep commitment to honoring others’ commitments. Her attention to detail has impressed many, and the small, less noticeable touches on this year’s page have garnered lots of appreciation and love from the 2025 senior class. Senior Gabby Vega said, “I like how the highlights on the page show which states everyone is going to college in.” Fajardo has connected a design theme throughout each type of media whether commitment posts, story highlights, and even a year in review for the class of 2025.
Not only has this page spotlighted Fajardo’s clear talent, but it also shows her willingness and eagerness to make an impact on the community. Her efforts have given NVOT students a chance to show off their friends’ impressive schools and celebrate their accomplishments. Each post represents more than just a decision, it showcases years of studying and hard work. These posts allow students to look back and appreciate the journey,but also look forward to the next chapter of their lives. “I love how supportive everyone is of each other! People are constantly commenting on other people’s posts to congratulate them,” senior Violet Oster said.
Even teachers have acknowledged the effort it takes to run the account. History teacher Christine Massaro said, “I do appreciate the people who take the time to run the page. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication.”
Fajardo also emphasized that although the account has been a lot to manage at times, “It’s also been a really cool experience seeing a lot of people go to schools they’re excited about. There’s genuinely no better feeling than opening up my dms and seeing someone commit to one of their top choices, or go to a school with an excellent program for their major.”
Fajardo’s work reminds students that behind every post, there is someone quietly contributing their time and talent to make others feel recognized. Running the account takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but with her commitment, the account was a true success among NVOT seniors. Thanks to Fajardo, the NVOT class of 2025 won’t just remember where they are going, but they will also remember how they were celebrated along the way.