Senior Ditch Day is a decade-old tradition commonly known as the Friday before Spring Break. With the semester quickly reaching an end, many seniors have a lively and exciting experience planned with their peers.
The exact origin of this tradition is seemingly uncertain, although different sources believe the routine may have started between the ’80s, ’90s, and even throughout the 1930s. According to Kennedy Dulon of The Talon Newspaper, senior skip day is both an American and Canadian event that surfaced from the release of the 1986 movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Many students did participate in this tradition, yet others can’t afford to miss school due to prescheduled activities.
“I know some seniors who have ROC/CTEC internships, so they can’t miss school,” says Jessie Gann, a senior who is enrolled in evening CTEC classes. The most predominant reason for senior students choosing not to miss school on Friday is due to their dedication to their academic future. Natalie Penate is a senior, but she recently joined the Wolfpack community in her Junior year. Penate states, “Some seniors are not participating because they have strict parents, or also might be in an advanced stage of truancy.”
Some believe that it is unfair for underclassmen to engage in a trend that wasn’t intended for their participation. However, Penate feels differently: “If it doesn’t affect your grade, I don’t think it matters.” Many are convinced that the Sophomore and Junior years of high school are the most difficult because of how important they are. Gann recommended, “I think underclassmen should focus on their academics and put priorities before fun because sometimes you have to do that in school.”
Despite the roadblocks that may occur, such as missing work or unexcused absences, many Seniors are decisive due to the importance of the day. For example, Gann had his day planned for months in advance, because, “Students join Senior ditch day to get out of class and get away from the work; and in all honesty, the tradition is just starting spring break early. It’s another day, but it’s a day to spend with friends and another day to make memories. You can take any time off school, but half the time, you would be home.” Gann shared his intention to visit Six Flags with his peers, then later enjoy free time at nearby locations, and have dinner to end the day.
The memories and souvenirs that students create during their high school years are irrevocably significant to a person’s life. The four long and brutal years that students endure are commonly known as when someone learns who they are and want to be. It doesn’t define who they are, but it helps to determine so. The purpose is to focus, prepare, and plan for the future, and also make it count while you are young. Penate quotes, “You have a whole day to spend with peers and other seniors, that way you can have one of the last moments with them because people might go to different colleges, and simply move away.” She planned to spend her day at the beach with her loved ones and enjoyed a memorable meal.
Regardless of the issues that might surface from Senior Ditch Day, “It’s an experience for seniors to make memories one last day with friends, but truancy is a thing, and it is a pain.” Gann says.
