June 15 graduation changes underclassmen, exam schedules

By Megan Cannon
As seniors are graduating and moving on from high school, underclassmen get one end-of-year surprise: an extra day off. Students can stay home on Fri., June 15, since the class of 2007's graduation ceremony is in the morning, and all teachers are obligated to attend the ceremony.
However, Tues., June 12, was also changed from a half day to a full day for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors recently. This change came because the seniors need to practice for their June 15 graduation ceremony.
Some students' reactions have been negative because of the loss of the half-day. "It's not fair that we have to have a full day because the seniors have to practice for graduation," said sophomore Megan Cummins. "It is not only the seniors who need a break," Cummins added.
Junior Jamie Clark agreed. "We should not have to have final exams as well as a full day," said Clark.
Some students are content with the schedule for the end of school. Junior Patricia Garcia said, "It is kind of cool that we have half-days at all. I mean, we could have all whole days on the last week of school, but instead we have two easy days."
Seniors have a much different attitude about the scheduling. They do not have to stay a full day or take a final exam. They only have to go to practice the graduation ceremony and to finalize any lingering unfinished business at school. There is a lot of anticipation among the senior class for their last week of high school.
Seniors start looking forward to a new stage of their life, starting with high school graduation. "Everyone starts moving on," said senior Matt McCloud.

By Stephanie Axelrod |  May 18, 2007; 8:54 AM ET
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