By: Noah Ung, Staff Writer
This year, our school administration made the decision to cancel senior quotes in the yearbook, citing inappropriate quotes from previous years as the main reason. The class of 2023 included quotes from controversial figures, leading to the decision this year. No seniors would be allowed to submit quotes at all. But is this the right approach? Many students believe this decision punishes the entire class for the mistakes of a few and that there are better ways to handle the issue without canceling the tradition.
Senior quotes have long been a way for students to leave a final, personal mark on their time at high school. “It’s always been something I looked forward to,” says Collin Kong, a current senior. “It’s a way to express yourself, to share something meaningful that represents who you are.”
Critics of the decision argue that canceling the quotes punishes students who would have used the space thoughtfully and appropriately. “I get that some people made bad choices last year, but it doesn’t seem fair to cancel it for everyone because of that,” says senior Caleb Lubiano. “Most of us probably would choose quotes that were inspirational or like reflected our high school experience.”
The administration, however, has expressed concerns about how to regulate senior quotes to ensure that inappropriate or controversial content does not slip through. In a statement, they emphasized that the decision was made in order to prevent a repeat of last year’s problems and to maintain the integrity of the yearbook as a reflection of the school’s values.
However, students are suggesting that there are ways to prevent these issues without removing the tradition altogether. “…they could have stricter guidelines or have the quotes approved by staff before it’s published,” suggests Ethan Lee, another senior. “There are definitely ways to keep things clean, without taking it away completely.”
Should an entire class be held responsible for the actions of a previous one? Many students feel that they should be given the opportunity to prove that they can uphold the tradition in a respectful and meaningful way.
As senior year marks the culmination of our high school experience, traditions like senior quotes offer a personal way to reflect on our time here. While the administration’s concerns are valid, many students believe that eliminating the tradition is too extreme a measure. With proper guidelines and review, it seems possible to bring back senior quotes in a way that ensures they reflect the positive values of our school community.
At its core, this issue isn’t just about quotes—it’s about trust. By working together, students and the administration could find a solution that preserves the tradition while addressing concerns, allowing the class of 2025 to leave their mark while maintaining the image of our school.
