Graduation is quickly approaching for Larned High School (LHS) seniors, and with graduation comes a slew of traditions for the senior class, one of which is their senior skip day. Senior skip day has been a tradition for over fifty years; however, it has not been official for that entire time. Just about everyone has had or heard of senior skip day, and the graduating class of 2024 is beyond excited for this rite of passage!
This year, the majority of seniors will be taking their skip day all on the same date. There are people that will be traveling together to commemorate their friendship and enjoy the spring weather. A few groups are going into Wichita to enjoy the city and do some shopping. Other plans include visiting the zoo, playing a couple rounds of paintball, getting tattoos, and spending time in the sun at the lake. Additionally, some seniors have picked up shifts at work or are simply spending their skip day at home, enjoying the quiet.
Around LHS, it sounds as though every senior will be partaking in senior skip day, but teachers around the school do not believe every single senior will be missing this day. Mr. LeRoy states that “I’ve never seen a year where the entire senior class takes part in the skip day.” Whether these seniors have major tests on this day, field trips to attend, or simply do not want to miss a day of school so close to finals, they have chosen to stay in class.
Students skipping school to galavant around the state can be a controversial topic; people have varying opinions on the technicalities of seniors skipping class. One major topic of discussion is if seniors should have to make up work from their missed classes. Emma Thompson, a senior at LHS, mentioned in an interview, “I feel that if the class is a senior only class, there should not be makeup work, because the teacher won’t be doing anything during that hour, but if it is any mixed class, there should be makeup work, because those students are still learning in class.” Her opinion is shared by multiple other students from LHS. However, from a different perspective, Mr. Scheideman mentioned that “First off, making it to senior year is a feat in itself, with chronic absenteeism and graduation rates being what they are, students honestly should get one day where they don’t have to worry about anything academically related.”
The graduating class of 2024 is excited to continue this high school tradition. Whether they have had this day planned for weeks or are going to go with the flow, they are sure to enjoy their day off. They will all make some great memories from a day spent with their fellow classmates.
