Rumors have been floating around that the class of 2013 would be the first not to have senior privileges, but these rumors have been silenced.  Principal Patrick Tutwiler strongly denied the rumors, saying, “Since this is a college prep school, we should be getting seniors ready for what they will face in college.”

Senior privileges mean that if you have 30 hours of community service by your senior year, you earn the right to leave campus during free periods; you may come and go as you please. This means seniors can leave early, arrive late, and leave in the middle of the day if you have no class or a lunch.

Going to grab a bagel from Einstein’s or an iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts is a luxury that current WHS seniors can enjoy every day. For some, these privileges are the high point of their high school experience.

“I love them [senior privileges]. I usually go out to eat at Einstein’s or Starbucks,” said senior Sasha Pansovoy. Classmate Alie Perkus added, “It gives you freedom.”

When a few freshman were asked how they would react if senior privileges were taken away during their senior year, they said, “They [the administration] can’t do that; why would they do that?” Another freshman said, “That would be really stupid.”

Tutwiler believes that this rumor started three years ago when he banned Senior Hill Day. On the last day of school, seniors would stay overnight on “the rock” field, and run down the hill the next morning of their last day of school. This was a Wayland tradition for years, but the principal banned it due its past link with alcohol and illegal substances. Since this activity was canceled, seniors may have thought all their privileges would soon be canceled, and thus the rumor started.

As with all privileges, the administration can always take open campus away if necessary. “With these privileges come responsibility,” said Tutwiler. “It’s a privilege, not a right. I would be prepared to take it away if people took advantage of it.”