Senior traditions are a pathway for most high school students that can impact the atmosphere within a school and raise school spirit. Here at Essex High School, we have homecoming, prom, senior nights, and senior assassin; however, students feel that traditions are lacking.
Seen at many schools, the rising seniors would see the former class participation activities such as sunrise gatherings, skip days, or even car decorations, which can increase school spirit.
At Afnorth, a small DoDEA (military) school in Brunssum, The Netherlands, the student population is comparable to EHS.
Afnorth displays school spirit by having events for seniors during advisory time.
“Afnorth likes to have days when all the seniors bring in snacks, play games together, and have designed shirts just for the senior class,” Eden Skariah, an Afnorth senior, said.
There is a strong sense of community at Afnorth because of these events.
At Franklin High School in Franklin, Massachusetts, they also have strong senior traditions every year.
“We have a senior banquet, senior night, senior assassin, and senior cruise,” Hope Guanga said by text. “Senioritis is eating me right now, but it’s good to know there are events in the end that remind me that it’s worth it”.
A special educator and Girls’ Varsity Basketball coach at Essex High School recalls the impact of senior traditions when he was a student at EHS. One specific event he remembers is Project Grad – an event held the night after graduation.
“All the seniors went on a trip,” Coach Montague said. “We went on a cruise overnight.”
“In the old days, teachers offered to do things for a day where the student went with a teacher, and they went on a hike or mountain biking,” Coach Montague said. “We would set up the auditorium and display TVs all over while kids play games. The little things matter.”
However, that may seem out of reach now with worries about security. If the Essex community comes together, we can rebuild new traditions.
EHS Assistant Principal, Gayle Botelho, said she is open to hosting, supporting, and organizing events that build community and a sense of belonging.
“If there are seniors who want to start planning senior events, senior week, or whatever idea they may have – come see me,” Botelho said. “I am always open to having a conversation, brainstorming, and supporting in reasonable ways.”
