SENIORITIS STRIKES AGAIN

Throughout high school, students learn to anticipate events such as prom and graduation, events usually reserved for upperclassmen and seniors.

By fall of their senior year, students start preparing for graduation and life after high school. Schedules become hectic as they try to squeeze in their final high school course work and time with friends between athletics and college tours.

"It's tough, especially if you're an athlete," said Mitchell Ogles, a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School. "There's just a lot going on right now."

Sometime the last high school year, students are suddenly struck with an odd ailment that mixes feelings of anticipation, anxiety, and indifference.

Most eventually suffer from senioritis.

"Senioritis -- yes, I've got it," said Ogles. "It's something real, definitely not made up.

"We've been in the system so long you're ready for a change," he said. "The sun's shining outside, birds are chirping, and the last place you want to be is in a classroom."

Amy McBride, a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School, also recognizes senioritis in many of her classmates. She defines the students' relaxation as "a giving up on school."

"It hasn't really set in yet," she said. "I'm not that ready to leave."

Students say time seems to slow to a crawl when senioritis strikes, and attention becomes focused on things outside of academics and athletics.

For some students, it's the first time they will feel no pressure to perform at their best, and they are able to enjoy the many activities catering to their eventual departure.

"The time spent with everybody is important now," said McBride. "It's not going to be much longer before you graduate so you make every moment count."

Ogles placed the most emphasis on his final football and baseball seasons.

"I'm not going to play in college, so I'm real emotional knowing this was my final season," he said. "I could've gone on to play college ball, but it wouldn't be the same as wearing the orange and black and playing for Central."

Despite the sentimental feelings, students said they are looking forward to upcoming graduations.

Senioritis sets in because life changes after high school, they said.

Whether they're going to continue their educations or go to work, they have to use those final weeks to play and enjoy themselves.

"I think it's great -- I think everybody's looking forward to it," Ogles said. "School's winding down and everybody knows a change is coming. Everybody just seems to pull together during senior year because they know they're not going to see each other again."

GRADUATION TIMES AND DATES

Cape Central High School

Baccalaureate May 23, 7 p.m. at Holiday Inn.

Awards Assembly May 20, 8:30 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Graduation May 30, 3 p.m. at Show Me Center.

Notre Dame Regional High School

Baccalaureate Mass Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Notre Dame H.S.

Awards Assembly May 21, 9:15 a.m. at the school.

Graduation May 22, 7:30 p.m. at the school.

Jackson High School

Baccalaureate May 23, 7 p.m. High School gym.

Graduation May 28, 7 p.m. at the football stadium (rain site -- gym).

Oak Ridge High School

Awards Assembly May 21, 10 a.m. in the gym.

Graduation May 21, 8 p.m. in the gym,

Scott City High School

Graduation May 21, 7:30 p.m. in the gym.

Kelly High School

Graduation May Tuesday, 8 p.m. in the gym.