Countdown to graduation stressful for some

Editor’s Note: Student Union is written by students at Brewer High School, Hermon High School, Schenck High School in East Millinocket, Searsport District High School and Stearns High School in Millinocket. The weekly column is a joint effort among the schools, the Bangor Daily News and Acadia Hospital. This week’s column was written by Stearns High School seniors Janessa Nason, Michael Nicholson and Terri Edwards. Their adviser is Sue Buzzell.

With only 49 school days left for the seniors at Stearns High School, these upperclassmen are getting antsy.

Some may call it “senioritis.” Some might say it’s just plain laziness. Nonetheless the final year is getting down to the wire, and it is beginning to become a busy and emotional time.

College choices, financial decisions and schoolwork are just a few of the things on their minds.

Many students are feeling the pressure of deciding where to attend college, and others are trying to decide whether to go to college at all. Still others have made their decision and are worry free. Scholarships and financial aid are another factor weighing on the shoulders of the seniors and their parents.

All seniors are required to complete two final projects in their English IV class, and these two new assignments have caused even more stress for some. English IV is the only required class for seniors at Stearns, and it must be passed in order for the students to graduate. So for many, these projects are important and add to the chaos.

A number of seniors are involved, in addition to all of this, in extracurricular activities that take up even more of their time. Spring sports start up soon, and year-round after-school clubs and organizations are busy planning events.

Some seniors are stress free because they have already made most of their decisions regarding where to attend college.

One student, Ashley Decesere, seems free of worries. She has already decided on where to continue her education. “I planned ahead of time,” she said, “especially knowing that this last semester of school was going to be hectic.”

Others are ready for the next 49 school days to be over. Michelle Landry says: “I need to get out! I’m basically just ready.” Steve Cyr said: “It seems like all of the teachers are piling things on. Even though I’m going to miss my classmates, I’m ready for it to be over.”

Leaving classmates is going to be emotionally difficult for everyone. Most do not even want to address the topic. Kim McLay says, “I don’t even want to think about that right now.”

These last few months of school are going to be emotional, yet fun for the seniors. Rick Kaul says, “Well, I’m going to miss my friends, but I’m looking forward to college.”

There are many fun times ahead for the seniors as well. Prom and other events are planned. These events will, it is hoped, relieve some of the stress experienced by almost all of the seniors.