Carlos Chancay

Twelfth graders have a variety of ways to make their senior year memorable, including senior sunrise in September, a 50-day party in March, the senior assassin game, senior sunset, prom, a senior barbecue in May, and finally, senior night in June.
“The seniors go to clubs and do activities because it’s their last year,” explained senior class president Lily Staiti. “I think we have a good amount [of events], I think they are spread out,” Staiti added.
Teachers often play a role in organizing these events.
“I think we have plenty [of activities]. I think I’ve taken on as much as I can,” said Jess Daoust, the former Student Council advisor and a math teacher.
Part of her role involved meeting with the Student Council’s executive board to create new activities and discuss necessary preparations.
“Usually all proposals happen in Student Council meetings,” said Staiti.
Planning for these events includes careful consideration of logistics, costs, supervision, and inclusivity.
“We [administrators and advisors] have to look at the logistics, cost, supervision, and inclusivity. We try not to plan anything that costs the students a lot of money. Most costs are deferred by the school,” noted assistant principal and senior class administrator Victoria DeSimone.
Senior activities aren’t decided by just a few people; the entire class has a voice in the process. “For senior activities, it’s class advisors and officers. For events like pep rallies and homecoming, there’s a board of 30 people,” Daoust explained.
Administrators encourage students to bring their ideas to class officers or advisors, and some students are actively using this opportunity.
“I would like to do a senior sunrise do-over. I think our senior fog was a let down. So I think we need a senior sunrise part two,” said Staiti.
“I think we should do an in-school sleepover,” suggested senior Navaeh Sepulveda.
“I think if we added anything it should have that aspect [of senior assassin] of bringing the class together. Some way to potentially meet new people but not in a way that’s too forced,” added senior Mitchell DeStratis.
Teachers and administrators allow students to take the lead in planning, giving them the freedom to shape their own senior experiences.
“The Student Council representatives do all the hard work. If we like it then it’s going to happen. Our approval is the most important part,” said senior vice president Brenna Patenaude.
When students bring forward event proposals, administration and advisors are receptive, offering feedback only on practical considerations.
“When proposals are brought forth by students, the administration and advisors listen and may offer suggestions and other logistics that students need to consider prior to getting approval,” DeSimone explained.
DeSimone and Daoust encourage more students to get involved in planning.
“More students means more events,” said Daoust.