May 19, 2010 Cub Reporter
FEATURES
11
Lawrence Central High School
Cub art/ Katie McDowell
‘TIS THE Students anticipate upcoming graduation celebrations LierinEhmke
lierinehmkecub@gmail.com Maybe it’s the leaves on the trees. Maybe it’s the growing number of seniors talking about their college plans. Maybe it’s the event notifications growing along the site of your Facebook homepage. Regardless, all signs point to “yes.”It’s Open House Season. There are perks that come with being a senior: senior rights, senioritis, organized field trips, prom, an easy second semester and, of course, graduating. But even after
grabbing that glorious diploma and tossing up the mortarboard, the open house is the last perk. Whether it’s for tradition, fun, money, or a last hurrah before everyone parts ways, the open house is a right of passage for a senior. “I’m having an open house so my friends and I can get together before we all leave,” senior Ashley Potts said. Potts is sharing her open house with seniors Megan Gentry and Alex Donaldson. “We’ve all been really good friends and it’d be more fun if we were all together.” Since Potts is having an open house with her friends, preparations are split up. “Each person is in charge of a
different thing, but we all go to see everyone, she is aware shopping together,” Potts said. a lot of work goes into such a “And it’s at my house so I’m big event. “We’re trying to stay in charge of organized the tent and and we almaking sure ways need to I’m having an open everyone is stay on top of house so that my comfortable.” things,” she friends and I can get Senior said. Kasie Parke For Parke, together before we all is having an it’s “planning leave.” open house everything for the same and cleaning Ashley Potts up everyreason as senior thing to get Potts, but Parke noted ready.” that her open house will be But some students choose more relaxed. “We’re not to opt out of the event. Senior Perin Bachra decided not to spending a lot of money or planning anything really big or have an open house to celebrate her graduation. extravagant,” she said. “I see my friends at school Although Potts is excited
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all the time, so I don’t have a desire to have one,” Bachra said. “Plus I’m lazy.” Bachra said she doesn’t feel like she’s missing out. “My brother had one a few years ago and I thought it was just OK,” she said. “I don’t think they are that special.” So whether it’s sharing an open house with a few friends or by yourself or not having one at all, one thing stays constant: Graduating is a reason to celebrate. It’s just that some celebrations are open houses. “My immediate family and my family from England is coming over right after my graduation to have a big dinner,” Bachra said, “and I am really excited.”