The Parmentier

Seniors Struggle to Keep Spot at Graduation

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 By Karen Jerez, News Editor

With summer just around the corner many students tend to drift away from their schoolwork. It is more difficult with the good weather approaching to maintain the same focus in school than it was a couple of months ago. This lack of concentration and responsibility in ending the school year on a good note is apparent in many of the students at SJHS. This problem has become evident amongst seniors, as some are in jeopardy of not graduating. For seniors the word “senioritis” comes up frequently as the common excuse for slacking off the last few months of senior year. Although many of the seniors have been accepted to colleges, a college’s final decision is based upon the final high school transcript. Most college acceptance letters state, “Your acceptance is contingent upon maintenance of the same high academic and personal standards...” The most viable solution in maintaining college acceptances and any scholarship being offered to you is—consistency in your work. “Senioritis is a shame because you really do not want to mess up your transcript at the end of the year, especially for seniors who are going to college and your acceptance may be taken away,” said Brittney Alvarez ’10. After being accepted to a college, the idea of not being denied a spot at graduation is not on most seniors minds. “Seniors not doing work, and having the idea that you not graduating could not possibly happen is wrong, seniors have to be more realistic, and they don’t believe that they could not graduate,” said senior guidance counselor Mrs. Christy. There is not a set number of how many seniors will not be graduating, and Mrs. Christy along with other seniors still remains hopeful that these students can get it together, turn it around, and use finals to their advantage. Senior Vanessa Garcia said, “It is ridiculous, for three years we were the best class and for this year not to walk down the aisle together is distressing. We need to help each other out, and those who are in risk of not graduating should work to their full potential to make sure they are present at graduation. Senior year is about persistency!” Although underclassmen do not yet have to worry about colleges rescinding their admission, they do have finals and Regents to take care off. Losing focus in school and not doing work jeopardizes your grades and a school free summer. Mr. Reggy said, “I know they are tired but the school year is almost over, so they have to study harder and spend more time with the books. Success comes with hard work. Put the cell phones away in class stay focused and stay away from distractions especially during this time of the year with finals and regents right around the corner.” Many teachers would agree with Mr. Reggy that at this time of the year many students lose focus and therefore collaboration and getting work done in class is at its minimum. Student must remember school is not over until the last final exam is taken, therefore every grade counts significantly. Closing out the school year successfully is very important and must not be taken lightly. Mrs. Christy said that a good way to avoid slacking off late in the school is “set a goal whether it is graduating or not going to summer school, every time you are tempted not to do work or not study remember your goal.”