![After Massachusetts voted to remove the MCAS graduation requirement, policy makers are reshaping graduation standards. "The top-line understanding is that we’ve moved away from a system that we’ve known for about 24 years, which is one where every school district in Massachusetts had wide latitude to decide what their graduation requirements were in terms of coursework or other experiences, but every single student, in order to earn a diploma, needed to pass the MCAS in one English, one math and one science assessment," Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. "We’ve moved away from that now, by virtue of the outcome of [the MCAS] ballot question in November, to a place where communities can still decide what their graduation requirements are, but there’s no requirement for students to pass the MCAS.”](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_3067_720.png)
![Troy Hoyt finishes the Boston Marathon, running for the Hoyt Foundation. T. Hoyt is the son of Hoyt Foundation CEO Russ Hoyt.
“[Running a marathon] might seem like a big thing, when it’s presented to you at first, but if you break it up and just keep telling yourself, “Yes, you can,” you can start chipping away at it. And before you know it, you’ll be running the whole 26 miles, and you won’t even think twice about it.” T. Hoyt said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/C36E8761-1CBB-452E-9DF2-543EF7B1095E_1_105_c.jpeg)
![At 5:45 a.m. on April 19, a reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord took place at Old North Bridge in Concord. The reenactment was followed by a parade, where several dignitaries, including Gov. Maura Healey, gave speeches. "This is our generation's time, standing here in this place at this moment, we must commit ourselves to defending [freedom]," Healey said. "That's what I will do, and I encourage everyone who knows our history and values our freedom to do the same."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/93EBB942-34BA-42D3-85A5-220D17FE7E44_1_105_c.jpeg)
![From left to right, junior Ben Pyhtila, sophomores Aadith Charry and Owen Chislett play their cello instruments. Junior Jubin Kim also plays the cello and has been playing the instrument since third grade. "I think that [the cello] is a good balance between a high instrument versus a low instrument, and I just really like the rich sound that it makes," Kim said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_6540-1200x800.jpg)
The weather becomes warmer and the days become clearer: spring has sprung. Birds have started chirping, and the last thing that students want is to stay cooped up inside of a classroom – especially the seniors who can see the finish line as freedom from high school draws near.
With graduation approaching, many seniors face that familiar feeling of burnout and exhaustion, just waiting for their years of high school and adolescence to end. The end is in sight, but motivation to complete the school year is harder to find, causing these students to experience a phenomenon known as “senioritis.”
Senioritis affects roughly 78% of high school students across the United States. I am one of them.
I have days where it takes all my energy to get out of my warm, cozy bed and head to school, especially knowing that the school year end is near. Senior events have begun. The senior show just finished, and congratulatory yard sign sales are underway. Class night and cruise night are on the horizon. My classmates are starting to find college roommates for next year. It’s hard not to daydream about the adventures waiting after graduation, but the reality is, we still have responsibilities that we have to handle.
Sometimes, it feels like the day drags on endlessly. I find myself avoiding work or putting it off until the last minute. I’ve already received all of my college decision letters, so I can’t help but wonder, “What is the purpose of doing all this? I’m already into college. What’s the point now?”
It’s a mindset I struggle with as the spring semester ramps up. Then I’m reminded of the Advanced Placement (AP) tests ahead, the need to keep my grades up for scholarship opportunities and ensuring I maintain my acceptances. After April break, it isn’t a free-for-all where I can just kick back and put my feet up – I have to study for my exams and prepare for the rigor of college courses.
In addition, our teachers are still trying to do their jobs, and it is unfair to them if we check out before the year ends. They understand that sometimes we aren’t totally focused, but we should still respect them and appreciate that they are providing us with a valuable learning experience. Teachers realize that we are seniors and may lighten our workload a bit, so we owe them our continued attention.
As tempting as it is to surrender to burnout and give in to senioritis, it’s crucial to keep pushing through. Finish strong and set up the next chapter of your life for success.
Current and future high school seniors, remember, it is okay to take a breather, but finish the race: the end is in sight. The last few months may seem like an endless stretch of time, but keep going. It will all be worth it once we cross the stage at graduation and we are reminded of the accomplishments that got us here. Don’t let senioritis win.
