Senior year is an exciting year for many, full of traditions, work, college acceptances, and celebrating the last year of high school. However, some students entirely forego this year as they graduate at the end of their junior year.
One of the consequences of early graduation is that students will miss experiencing senior year with others in their grade. Still, they’re able to take part in senior privileges, which was fought for by social studies teacher Cathy Jones years ago. They may also be missing out on unofficial senior traditions.
“I don’t think I’m going to be missing out on anything. I can go to prom, I can walk with everybody else. It’s not really any different than this school year,” said Autumn Thomas.
Thomas has been accepted to the University of South Florida and will be graduating at the end of this school year. She isn’t worried about missing anything during the last year of high school, and would rather join her friends in college.
“I’m graduating early because I have enough credits, so my senior year would basically be electives, or all HCC (Hillsborough Community College) classes. I also have friends that are older than me, so I don’t really have many people holding me here. I’ve also already completed everything I wanted to in high school, so going to college will be really fun for me,” said Thomas.
While graduating early is right for some students, it’s not beneficial for everyone academically and socially. Many students would not be ready, or have enough credits, to leave high school.
“If traditions are big deal to somebody, they shouldn’t forego a year. If they care about the high school experience, then they should stay,” said Jasmine Freedman.
Freedman was accepted to the University of Central Florida but hopes to attend the University of Florida. She doesn’t care much for the senior traditions.
“I don’t really know that much about senior spirit week, or senior sendoff, so it doesn’t matter. This is especially true because I’m already approved to graduate early. I’m just excited to attend college next year,” said Freedman.
Yeva Thielemann, also graduating early, had similar thoughts on whether or not she felt she would be missing out on senior traditions.
“I’m not really about traditional high school, so I’m ready to advance my academic career. I would recommend graduating early if the individual feels ready to advance academically. I want to take the step up to college,” said Thielemann.
She prefers to focus on the academics of attending school, rather than the social aspect, even though she enjoys spending time with friends. Her dedication has taken her to aim for not only Oregon State, but also the Colorado School of Mines and Western Carolina University.
The unofficial and official senior traditions and experiences at Steinbrenner as well as other schools are valued by many of the underclassmen. However, some students may prefer to move onto college and careers sooner, or just don’t have a reason to stay in high school.
