With the school year almost coming to a close, it is notably a big time of year for many, especially graduating seniors. While much of their time has been spent applying for colleges and looking to the future it is important to take the time and look at the present and the many celebrations that are a part of senior year. As College Vine states, “Senior year is full of events that are specifically designed to serve as capstones for your high school experience, like prom and graduation. As you reach the end of the year, these events will come on thick and fast.”
At IHS senior traditions are happening all around the school, however, when it comes to student and teacher perspectives on some senior traditions, there are bound to be some conflicting opinions and thoughts. While many seniors look to have fun and make the most of their last year, teachers who also share that sentiment have the additional responsibility of considering the safety of such events. One controversial tradition that many seniors participate in is senior assassin. According to Catcher Games, “Senior Assassin, also known as Senior Tag, and Killer Game, is a live-action game commonly played by high school seniors and university students. The game lasts for multiple weeks and every player is assigned a target (another player) that they have to tag. Tagging is done differently at different schools, but the most common methods are squirting your target with a water gun or tapping on the shoulder.” At IHS, senior assassin does occur throughout the school and the rules of safety continue to be enforced. Aside from other bystanders and the seniors themselves, teachers are the ones who are tasked to make sure that everyone is safe in the classroom and outside of it. Civics teacher Rachel Heilman says, “As with everything else, seniors should practice critical thinking and good decision-making when deciding whether or not to participate. Part of being a grown-up, as these seniors pretty much are, is having the discernment to know when following the group is the right thing to do — and when it is not, no matter what anyone else is saying. Senior Assassin is a great example of that. I think the roasting damages community spirit and the running through hallways and tackling each other is disruptive to what we’re trying to accomplish during the school day. I do admire the organizational skills it takes to pull it off, though. And I enjoy the enthusiasm that lights some of them up.”
Senior year is also about making memorable moments with friends and family. From graduation to other celebrations there is much to be excited about. At IHS, one notable tradition that is planned is Senior Sunrise. Senior Anna Carmen says, “Senior Sunrise was really fun, my friends and I got up early and we all got coffee together and we sat on the field.” Similarly, Senior Akshay Tandon says, “I am definitely going to be celebrating with my family, and I have a lot of family on the East Coast who will be flying over here for my graduation.” While these reflect some of the senior traditions happening here at IHS, in the US, many different high schools find unique ways to celebrate seniors. In an interview with USA Today, high school senior Ava Abel talks about how part of celebrating her senior year was, “creating a senior parking space that reflects her passions, including her favorite musician (Morgan Wallen) and her top sports team (Atlanta Braves).” One of the biggest parts about being a senior is taking in special moments with loved ones and ‘leaving your mark’ on the place you have been a part of for four years.
Prom is another big tradition that many seniors look forward to enjoying as many see Prom as the peak event of senior year. While traditions such as Senior Assassin and Senior Sunrise are fun among many seniors, Prom is a tradition that in some ways represents the pinnacle high school experience. According to Teen Vogue, “High School Musical 3 was named as an often important body of work for Gen Z and its emphasis on the prom being this standout night of your teenage life is still something students make note of today.” Highlighting how in many ways Prom has the relevance it has because of its popularity in the media. For IHS students and many high school students alike, Prom can not come faster. Tandon comments how, “ Although it hasn’t happened yet I am excited for Prom. I think the difference from my point of view now that I am a member of ASB is that I know more about the inner workings of everything and how Prom works makes it more special and meaningful.” As a result of the hard effort of PTSA and the senior class, events like Prom are able to be a reality and allow seniors to make these special memories.
While senior traditions are an influential part of high school they are not necessary to make the most or the only way to celebrate your last year of high school. At the end of the day senior year traditions are here to provide the space and events in which seniors can indulge. However, if some events are not ones you find yourself typically enjoying then that is okay. The great thing about senior year traditions is that you have the opportunity to make your own memories and traditions and find unique ways in which you feel celebrated for your accomplishments. History teacher Natalie Sheehan says, “Make the most of your year. Have fun. Do not be stressed and stay in the present.” These words are ones all seniors can take into account as the year comes to an end and as they think about how they can celebrate the end of high school.
