During the past three years’ pep rallies, the current seniors sat on the bleachers in the noisy gymnasium as the then-seniors triumphantly walked in and took a victory lap, shouting and jeering as loud pop music played over the speakers. It was their year, a time to celebrate high school coming to
a close. Fast-forward to 2015, and as the seniors walked 50-feet to the bleachers for their “senior walk,” they couldn’t help but feel a bit shortchanged. As a whole, the staff believes that the seniors have been cheated out of many of the experiences of what is supposed to be the best year of high school.
The trouble began when word got out that the yearbook would not be running senior quotes for the first time in Northwood’s recent history. We understand their reasoning: our class sizes have gotten too large, and it would be a nightmare to coordinate, both financially and logistically. For years, the yearbook staff has had to deal with their peers incorrectly writing the quotes and then complaining when they are run with the mistakes. There are just too many seniors to carry out this large undertaking.
However, most seniors had that “perfect” quote in mind. The words struck a personal chord with many, be it inspirational, sad or an inside joke with friends. One of the most popular aspects of yearbook release day was flipping through the glossy pages of the senior pictures and their adjacent quotes. The class of 2016 will never have the chance to do this.
It is a common conception that junior year is the most difficult year of high school. Standardized testing and more advanced courses add stress that causes many to better understand the ease and simplicity of their previous high school years. Another common notion is that once junior year is over, the rest of high school will become exceedingly less tedious. “Senioritis” sets in, and classes supposedly become easier. For most, this is not the case. Planning for college during senior year becomes a job of its own. Between gathering recommendation letters, writing essays and finding scholarships, seniors find that stress levels are equal to, if not greater than, previous years. The idea that seniors can “coast” through senior year has been shattered.
Some underclassmen look up to seniors because of their age and all the special treatment they earn for their seniority. Seniors gain priority when buying parking passes and scheduling classes and are given the opportunity to participate in special senior-oriented activities like Senior Day. Seniors have waited three years for their turn, and now that their senior year is finally here, it is not all it is cracked up to be.
The editorial board of The Omniscient agrees that the celebrated senior “experience” is the not the same as it was in previous years. However, we recognize and appreciate those in the Northwood community who strive to make senior year special despite the setbacks.