Sophia Kibler

   With hallways near barren and classes half empty, the lack of seniors in school will be felt by underclassmen starting May 25. Every year, seniors leave a few weeks before the rest of the school year ends in order to prepare for post high school plans and graduation. 

   “A lot of my friends were seniors. These last few weeks of school are going to be pretty sad for me, since I spend lunch with them and have a lot of classes with seniors,” junior Tyler Curtis shared. 

   For many students, the departure of the senior class vastly changes their social prospects. Many underclassmen will miss their friends, and many senior teachers will now have empty classes. It can be emotional to see that one’s friends are moving onto life outside of high school. Whether it’s college, a gap year, or trade school, it can be difficult to know that friends are moving on while students are still in high school for another year or two. While seniors look forward to graduation and their next steps after high school, underclassmen, mostly juniors, are taking on the new role as the oldest in the school. 

   “It’s really cool seeing the hallways more clear. It’s a lot less crowded and I can get to class a lot quicker,” junior Haewan Kibret expressed. 

   Though some students are mourning the presence of their senior friends, other underclassmen are excited for the change. The notoriously crowded hallways will turn into spaces where students can walk quickly without the hassle of a packed hallway. Classes that intermix grades will have less seniors, which means that there will likely be less work. Some students also now have a quieter atmosphere in classrooms, which can be good for some as it can be easier to concentrate. Teachers who primarily teach seniors will now have quiet, free periods for planning and such. Though sentimental, students are proud of their senior friends.

   “Even though I’m sad that I can’t see my friends as often anymore, I’ll say that I’m really proud of a lot of my senior friends for graduating and going on to do things at college,” Jesus Mirabel said.

   Ultimately, for many, seniors leaving is bittersweet. Even though they will be missed, it is generally beneficial to take an optimistic outlook on the situation. Seniors are going on to the next stage in their lives, and it’s inevitable that students will move on from high school. 

   As the school year ends, underclassmen will say goodbye to friends, or possibly celebrate a less crowded school, and prepare to operate in a school without seniors at Marriotts Ridge. With seniors gone, it’s clear that the school year is coming to a close very soon.