Schools
Join the Fun Friday for GHS's First-Ever Senior Recognition Day
Is it the military, college or work for the class of 2011? Geneva High School seniors are asked to indicate their plans for next year in T-shirts or sweatshirts Friday, as their work and future are applauded.
It started with an observation. It’s wonderful that with signing day ceremonies and parties—but ?
Geneva High School will celebrate that success—and the future plans of all the 2011 graduates—this Friday, designated Senior Recognition Day.
Kim Griffin and Cathy Mozden have spearheaded the drive for what they and school officials hope will be a new and proud tradition for Geneva High School.
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“It started out pretty simply: students would wear the shirt of the school they’re going to attend next year,” said Griffin.
Then, meeting with Principal Tom Rogers, and Mary Jane Johnson, head of the Counseling and Advising Department, plans expanded.
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Griffin said that while there’s a lot going on this time of year for the senior class, there have been no way for the student body as a whole to recognize the senior class.
That changes this year. The day starts with a breakfast for seniors beginning at 7:15 a.m., and lasting trough first hour. (Students attending will be excused from their fist-hour class.)
After first hour, seniors will parade down Viking Boulevard—the main hallway leading from the front door to the Commons. The graduating students are encouraged to wear a T-shirt or sweatshirt indicating their plans for next year, whether that choice is a college, vocational school, the military or something else entirely.
Rogers said holding the event during the school day provides both a chance to tout the accomplishments of the senior class and, in doing that, an opportunity for the younger students to see that hard work pays off.
The administration and guidance departments are hosting the breakfast. Guests include some members of the community, such as members of various governing bodies and groups that have had a lot of interaction with GHS students, Griffin said.
The guests, as well as GHS faculty and staff, are being encouraged to wear their college colors.
All early graduates are encouraged to return to the school to participate. Seniors should arrive at school no later than 7:40 a.m. for admission to the breakfast.
“It’s another great opportunity to celebrate the future of our senior class and all the hard work they’re put in,” Rogers said.
He emphasized that the day is not not just about college plans. “Whatever their passion is, we want to be able to celebrate it,” he said.
Senior Recognition Day isn’t for parents, by the way. It’s an event for students only, though families are encouraged to celebrate at home with school flags, and GHS graduation yard signs, on sale at the school.
“It celebrates what’s to come,” Griffin said of Senior Day. She hopes younger students see the festivities as something new and fun, and an event they can anticipate for themselves when they are seniors.
And the seniors can look on it as the beginning of graduation, and a step into the future.
