By Koa Davidson, Ryder Navarra, and Philip Berkwit
The end of the school year is here, and as the senior class of Ponte Vedra High School experiences their twilight days in public education, the notion of any kind of work seems preposterous to many of these students. Senioritis, is defined by Merriam-Webster as “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” The term’s earliest use is from a 1907 issue of Chicago Alumni Magazine, and over a century later, it’s still wreaking havoc on classrooms nationwide.
The phenomena can be attributed to a mix of burnout after years of academic pressure, the monotony of the school routine, or just pure laziness now that the stakes have been lowered. After all, college decisions are in, and the finish line is in sight.
“I don’t want to go to school,” admitted Senior Niki Thompson. “But the college I’m attending requires me to keep really, really good grades, so I can’t just stop now.” Like many of her classmates, Niki is caught in the awkward limbo between high school and what comes next – still tied to grades and attendance, but mentally halfway out the door.
“I don’t want to go to school, but the college I’m attending requires me to keep really, really good grades, so I can’t just stop now.”
Niki Thompson (12)
Despite the collective drag of senioritis, institutions like American College Testing (ACT) recommends that rising seniors stay challenged. Their advice includes taking difficult courses, staying involved in extracurriculars, setting academic goals, and committing to lifelong learning. Similarly, Southern New Hampshire University offers strategies for managing senioritis, emphasizing goal setting and maintaining perspective through the final months of school.
Senior year is a time of anticipation for the future and sentimentality for the past, but it’s important to not lose track of the day-to-day grind of school. A significant drop in grade point average (GPA) could lead to revoked scholarships or even rescinded applications.
In the end, keeping one’s eyes on the prize—graduation and what lies beyond–can ensure a senior year that’s not only enjoyable, but also productive and rewarding.
Graphic by Philip Berkwit
