Senior Projects are probably the most important thing high schoolers have to do throughout high school. Matt Opitz said, “Seniors have not walked because they didn’t get this done.”

The purpose of senior projects is for seniors to further explore a talent, interest, or passion, that can be applied to a career in the future. Senior projects also give students the opportunity to do some public service and get involved in the community.

On October 16th seniors had their first meeting for their senior projects. The purpose of this meeting was for seniors to understand the elements and process of a senior project, and to have their initial conversation with their advisor about their topic.

During this time, they were also able to ask questions about what a senior project is, and what needed to be done for it.

A senior project has three main elements: 15 hours of work experience or with a mentor (or a mixture of the two), an 8-12 minute presentation about the work experience, and a research paper on a topic relating to that work that was done.

Teresa Brey said, “Make it something you’re interested in.” This is important because students are also more likely to get that work done if they are doing something they are interested in. 

In the past, students have done their senior projects around construction, mechanics, medical or veterinary work, police force, business, culinary arts, etc. There are tons of different options seniors have for this project.

This is a big, and important project for seniors, and cannot be postponed to the last minute. Clint Raver, the principal at Yamhill-Carlton High School, said, “You have plenty of time to get this done, take advantage of it.” 

Seniors have just about the whole year to do these projects. It’s only a matter of dedication. Which is why picking the right topic is important.