Summer May Come Early for TC Seniors

As 2010 is approaching seniors are thinking about graduation. Traditionally seniors get out late and are held back from starting their summer at a reasonable time, leaving them little time for extra activities to build up their resume. Will seniors be lucky enough to get out early this year?

Dr. Clendaniel has proposed the June 12^th graduation to Superintendent Dr. Sherman in order to give seniors the opportunity to get summer jobs, internships, and take college courses. Seniors from other high schools that graduate early have the unfair advantage because they have more time to benefit from summer relaxation, academic improvement, internships and jobs, and extracurricular activities. When asked about the likelihood of the early graduation, Dr.Clendaniel said, “Not sure. This is a new thing for Alexandria. I think the chances are pretty good.”

This may sound like it only benefits upperclassmen; however, sophomores and juniors would get more attention from teachers and administration during the most stressful part of the year. The underclassmen could receive SOL enrichment classes during the last few weeks of school. With a third of the school’s population gone, each student could receive better education during the hectic end of the year. This would improve how other schools view T.C. Williams as an academic institution

However, not all students agree. Many underclassmen view the early graduation for seniors as unfair. When asked her opinion of this proposal, sophomore Layla Mustafa said, “I think that early graduation should be offered to anyone who deserves it and not be restricted only for qualified seniors.”

Naturally, this early graduation would affect the schedule for senior final exams and other activities. Seniors would take their required exams earlier than the majority of the school but if they prepare well then the seniors can succeed in their exams and graduate early. A large population of upperclassmen is able to opt out of their exams each year, because of outstanding grades and the fact that they already got into colleges or have plans for after graduation. If the graduation date is approved, then the earlier exams should not be much of issue because the seniors will still have time to study for their exams.

The graduation would also be a benefit for seniors. In most schools, seniors have privileges that other students do not receive, but the benefits for seniors at T.C. Williams have depleted. If accepted, this June 12^th release date could make seniors feel appreciated. The upperclassmen would be receiving treatment that the rest of the student body would not, therefore giving the older students a feeling of happiness. This would leave them with a positive outlook on T.C. Williams before they embark onto bigger and better things.

The one downside of the June 12^th graduation proposal is if it does happen, seniors should be sure to set their alarms early! The graduation would commence at ten o’ clock a.m., possibly in the gymnasium.