THE ECHO

By Idowu Adeleke // Reporter

For the past four years, the class of 2026 has endured the ups and downs of high school life. With their diploma just out of reach, many seniors are calling it quits on academics.

As Urban Dictionary defines, “senioritis” is the well-known term for when seniors are “totally over school.” The class of 2026 is no exception when it comes to the seemingly inevitable disease.

Senior Cailyn Hohmann said she has nearly no academic motivation. Hohmann completed college applications earlier this year.

“I just don’t want to do schoolwork. I’m super ready for everything to be over,” said Hohmann.

The apathetic view toward the remainder of the school year is not singular. Like Hohmann, senior Sofia Hernandez completed applications far before the deadline.

“I got my college applications done early, and I think that adds on to senioritis,” said Hernandez. “I’m already accepted to the college I want to go to, so everything just feels like meaningless now.”

Science teacher Mrs. Kern teaches both upperclassmen, and their younger peers. Kern said she has noticed a difference in her older students’ work ethic.

“My seniors do tend to get distracted, especially after they get their college acceptances back. They’re quick to shut down and think, ‘I don’t need to get a good grade, because I’ve already been accepted to the school I wanted,’” said Kern. “My sophomores and juniors are still trying to maintain good GPAs.”

At some universities, a dramatic drop in grades can result in the revocation of acceptance. Kern said she encourages all her students to give their best effort.

“I talk to the kids about the fact that they can improve their chances of getting scholarships if they keep their grades up,” said Kern. “Reminding seniors of their opportunities is sometimes helpful to get them to refocus.”

Not all seniors are unconcerned about their schooling. Senior Emily Hillman said she is determined to finish off the year strong.

“I’m still going to try to work as hard as possible to graduate with some good grades,” said Hillman.

To avoid the academic indifference attributed to senior year, some students consider other graduation pathways. As a cosmetology student at Area 31, Hillman said her diligence has been unaffected by senioritis.

“I did consider graduating early freshman and sophomore year,” said Hillman. “I don’t like to think about the future a lot, so I decided to take all the normal classes and wait to graduate with everybody else.”

With the end of senior year, comes the planning for after high school. Hillman said her time at Avon will not be forgotten.

“I’m excited to graduate, but also sad to leave all my best friends. They’re going to move on to better paths too, but I’ll still be there for them,” said Hillman.