news
DECEMBER 2011
Rewards, regrets, reality of early graduation By Drew Scharnitzke Staff Writer A disease is slowly spreading through the top end of the upperclassmen. No one knows how soon they will be hit, but everyone knows that this sickness is inevitable. Senioritis plagues the school, which causes some seniors to talk about leaving prematurely, but few students actually end up passing to the other side. Most seniors look forward to graduation. For four years, the goal of graduation is anticipated. For many, June still seems far away. However, for others, the wait is nearly over. Graduating early is not commonplace; however, every year, several seniors choose to leave their high school experience early. Some move away, while others stay in town and work full time. A portion starts a term at Las Positas and what seems to be the rest just want to get out of the habitual pattern of high school. Senior Jordyn Wright planned to be finished with
high school at the end of the first trimester. Wright plans to move to Los Angeles within the year, and she is taking the time to prepare for such a change. Her plans catch the interest of many. This non-conventional way of wrapping up high school seems fun and adventurous, but it isn’t all fun and games, as it may seem. In regards to her decision, Wright suggests to other students to not “graduate early unless you know you have something to do immediately with all of the time you'll have, or else you'll regret missing out on senior year activities,” such as Senior Ball, the Disneyland trip, and other events preceding graduation. Graduating early requires a senior to complete in a short 12-week trimester what most seniors have an entire year to finish. Forms to turn in, papers to sign, and a feeling of a gradual closure can become a frenzy of paperwork and an abrupt halt to the daily grind of high school. With a trimester full of general education requirements and tying loose ends on electives,
what seems like a fun-filled trimester is actually quite stressful. The pressure to finish
off with a bang lingers over the head of the early graduate. The difficulty lies not only within a stressful term, but sometimes with a term that is hard to manage. Since not many students graduate early, the ones who
take this path have the potential difficulty to put his or her nose to the grindstone. Many seniors who have all three trimesters of classes have more leeway and free time. Early graduates feel the difference. Instead of three relatively easy classes, he or she takes on the load of five. However, when one is sure that he or she wants to graduate early, there are many things that can work in his or her favor. Nick Scharnitzke, who graduated in 2010, finished his high school career after the second trimester of his senior year. He does not regret missing senior activities. Then again, he also had a job to fill his time during the day when he would have previously been in school. For every student, graduating early can have its benefits and downfalls. Another issue with graduating early is school funding. Public schools are paid based on attendance of students. Every day, the sum of money is different depending on who is present. When students graduate early, that is equivalent to one student
being absent every day for one to two trimesters. The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School Ditrict loses money for every student who graduates early. Obviously, the district would not look lightly on a larger number of students graduating early. Graduating early might seem like an adventure, but to get to the point of graduation, there is much stress, planning, and squaring away of things to do. Futherermore, leaving school early also makes it hard to take part in events However, for those students who have a plan to move on to the next thing, have the credit requirements, and don’t mind a stressful term, graduating early is a good way to get into the next stage of life one step ahead of everyone else. This huge decision needs to be thought through thoroughly, however. Not only do you need to make sure you have something productive to do with your newfound free time, but you also need to determine if you are ready to depart from social groups, teachers and class activities.
Annual “Race to the Flagpole” filled with Granada students By Noah Prill Staff Writer Many of Granada’s cross country runners placed well this year in the annual “Race to the Flagpole,” a fundraising event that takes place in downtown Livermore. The race is a onemile walk/run that benefits the Livermore-Granada Boosters Scholarship Fund for seniorathletes from both schools. The event, which is open to all ages and abilities, is divided by age groups. In the 15-18 year age group, Granada’s cross country team had several runners place in the top ten. Steven Wang, Tyler Neabeack, Jacob Torres, Thomas
Tsunemoto and Kevin Girardelli were among the Granada boys with the fastest times. Senior Laura Franklin, who finished first in the women’s event, said that she saw the race as a good opportunity to continue racing while she prepares for upcoming meets. When asked why she came, senior Dalaney Anderson said, “I came to support the school.” For the second straight year, Granada won for having the most participants of any of the Livermore schools. Granada runners could have done ever better had not many of the varsity team been at NCS that day. However, the JV runners stepped up to the plate.
At the end of the race, the top winners of each division were awarded trophies. Other participants who raced well took home medals. Steven Wang didn’t get a trophy, but he did come in third. After the race, he also received a goodie bag, which he said, “Brightened his life with a free Carls Jr. promotion.” Not every student who participated ran the race, as was the case of junior Albert Yeh. He stood watch on a corner, alerting incoming runners of where to go and ensuring their safety. He was also waving an American flag to show his patriotism. He said he was “Keeping America’s pride.” The race to the flagpole is a worthwhile fundraiser. It
9
supports Livermore-Granada Boosters, it’s only a mile and it doesn’t take very much time out of your day. You should definitely think about participating next
year, as this year’s race was a lot of fun for everyone there. Entry fees were $10-20 depending upon age and when you registered for the race.
Photo by Noah Prill
Students line up in hopes of a good race. For the second year in a row, Granada won for having the most participants.