As the class of 2025 reaches the end of high school, it is time to reflect on the many challenges they have faced at school. The senior class has faced many obstacles and changes, precisely two significant issues: racism and policy changes.
These factors have impacted their day-to-day lives and helped shape the school environment, leaving a lasting impression on generations prior. The parking situation and e-hall pass times are still a change in the senior class, but many students believe it does not impact their ability to live their lives.
The Racism
The racism the senior class faced was one of the most impactful issues at the school. Many students agree that the racism faced changed a lot in the school environment.
Kirubel Soloman, a senior now, spoke out on his five months of racial harassment in his jewelry and metals class during his sophomore year. He led the implementation of a change of principal from Longnecker to DeMaree.
Solomon believes racism is not the student’s issue, but students have a choice on whether to help or not due to the face of the change in principal. Solomon said, “It is not my problem to fix.”
The importance of student involvement has changed the overall environment from tense and unspoken issues to students discussing the problems. The senior class called for somebody to ignore their injustice and do something about it, which led to DeMaree, who was willing to listen to the students’ issues. w
Some students will not and do not want to help it be a more diverse school environment.
Many students want to leave the future classes to be able to be open about who they are and their issues. Solomon said, “I do it for younger people.”
The senior class of 2025 created a positive outcome despite the past. As a result, it has made a safer environment for all types of students and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.
The New Policy
The implementation of the phone ban aimed at reducing distractions has caused outrage in our school. Students must keep them away throughout the day unless it is a passing period, for educational purposes, or during lunch.
The senior students feel the shock because prior years did not have strict rules on phones. Seniors were being given Wi-Fi for students’ phones for their first years of high school then it shifted to not at all.
Although most think it created some difficulty for students, the issues could be more manageable. Most students are unsatisfied without being able to listen to music or be able to put assignments on their phones, but nothing they are angry about just creates shock.
Seniors’ social lives are being positively affected by earlier years.“It is definitely better for interacting with people, said Judah Stinson.
The senior class chooses to respond optimistically despite the change creating some difficulty. Some students believe it is less pressing than many teachers and others think.
Parking Anywhere
The parking lot situation is that anyone can park anywhere, and the grade level does not matter. It is first come, first get the spot they want.
Many senior students did not find the parking situation to be a big change or issue. They believe that it is irritating, but it is not as big as other matters for them.
Seniors’ response to the parking situation shows their ability to adapt quickly to small changes.
Strength of the Senior Class
The Class of 2025 created a change for the school and enduring new policies shows strength and maturity. Their senior year has been a crucible of change and challenges to face through their high school experience.
The resilience and determination the senior class had through their high school years will leave a legacy and change the future. There is always a need for change.
Through all the challenges, the seniors are still bonded together, as well as the school. Billy Boucek said, “I will always be a Falcon.”
