It is coming to an end. Graduation, the most important part of our high school experience, is approaching quicker than we realize. However, the majority of seniors have been looking forward to this day since before senior year even began. Students are losing motivation for classwork but getting ready for the exciting events to come. Having events like prom, Senior Week, and graduation to focus on is helping our seniors push through the remainder of the year with some ounce of readiness. As the end approaches, our seniors are feeling lots of different emotions and nostalgia.

“I think the thing making me the most emotional as senior year comes to an end is knowing that a huge chapter of my life is coming to a close. All my friends that I see everyday will not be just down the street from me anymore,” Grace Yates, senior, said.

Those you went to high school with are mainly the people you have known since middle school or even elementary school. Once graduation is over, students enter a new season of life with all new people, whether that be at college, a new job, or whatever path they choose to follow. But as of right now, most of these students have one thing in common … They are ready to be done!

Because the end of high school is so near, there has been a noticeable lack of interest in attending classes, focusing on the lessons, and completing assignments. In fact, there are a number of students that only have a few periods in the building, which allows them to leave school way earlier than the average schedule requires. Students enrolled in Polaris are amongst those with few SHS classes. Some argue that being in school for such a limited time takes away from the senior year experience, while others disagree.

“It gives me more of an experience because I have friends in Strongsville and friends in Polaris. Along with that, I am able to get my foot in the door with the field that I am studying,” Jace Barnhizer, senior, said.

Not only are students obtaining shorter schedules, but they manage to skip the few classes they do take. A commonly used term called “senioritis” describes how seniors are beginning to feel, that is if they are not already eager to graduate. The meaning of this term stems from tiredness and lack of motivation. Lower effort in school, procrastination, and the desire to finish senior year are all symptoms of “senioritis.” The effects of “senioritis” are spiking a decrease in effort from some students, and it is becoming visible to teachers as they try to finish off the year strong. Sometimes, a push of encouragement from a teacher is a big help for a student who cannot seem to keep up towards the end of the year.

“They have to want to finish up. We have to talk about the future, and reasons why it still matters. At this point, they are getting ready for college where they are going to have a lot more autonomy, so I am going to give that to them, and they need to rise to the occasion,” Ms. Caitlyn Choe, science teacher, said.

As senior year wraps up, seniors slowly gain more and more independence. Although these teachers may give seniors a guiding hand during these times, it is truly up to them to finish out strong and take it all in. 

Before graduation, there are multiple events that take place including Senior Sunrise, Senior Night, Senior Assassin, Senior Week, and prom. Students are ready and making the conscious effort to soak it all up. It is important to make the most of these last moments with your friends before potentially going your separate ways. 

Another student, Delaney Kenny, senior, has been making lots of memories with her friends that she will remember forever, “I have done the Senior Sunrise, Senior Night, painting senior jeans, and even having a senior brunch. All of the above. You name it, I am there!” 

The last year of high school is truly a time of growth, anticipation, and reflection. Senior year leaves many of us with life long friendships, unforgettable memories, and the opportunity for great new beginnings. It is no secret that the journey through high school can be challenging, and motivation might have seemed out of reach at times, but it has shaped our characters and taught us lessons that we will take into the next chapters of our lives.