For the past few years at Tower, things have changed. From rules to teachers, to a fresh senior class, Tower has become something new. These big differences have made the most impact on the graduating class on 2012.
The seniors have gone through a slew of policy and system changes throughout the years, from wearing ID’s to cell phone usage. Some enjoy the new atmosphere, and others dislike the severe restrictions. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied there is an improved and altered environment at Tower.
No more worries about getting to class, new teachers, or having timid personalities. The senior class knows the routine of high school. With a comfort for this school’s environment the Seniors boisterously walk the halls. “We aren’t ashamed to show our Titan pride,” Cassidy Allen ’12 said exuberantly.
The biggest changes that have occurred over the years involve rules. The new rule to wear ID’s was most challenging for the seniors. As freshmen, they didn’t have ID’s, so they had to adapt to the unusual task.
Not every student likes sporting an unfashionable lanyard. “I like some changes, but I don’t like wearing ID’s,” Chelsea Constantine ’12 said. Some students look at them as a hassle, but others have learned to deal with it. “They don’t bother me too much” Josh Knost ’12 said. Either way, the rules concerning ID’s is an ever adjusting routine.
Other rules that have been changed are tardies and electronic devices. Polices have grown more strict as each year comes, and the seniors have been through it all. They remember the glorious times when ipods were allowed in class, and the overtly strict cell phone prohibition. Our new policies are now nearly the polar opposite of this. Many students are wary of this, but others our optimistic. “The most changes are [found] in the policies… [like] the whole new cell phone rule, but I like it.” Rachel Toth ’12 said.
Along with policies, tardies have become much more severe. Since freshman year, the seniors continually have to deal with crack downs on being late to class. “I like some changes, but tardy sweeps, wearing ID’s, and hour detentions for being late are not fun.” Chelsea said. She finds many of the policies unreasonable and believes they hamper the morale of the school.
Through all the changing and switching around of rules, a positive attitude has come from the seniors. Despite other situations, the overall tone of this year for the seniors is a sense of easy goings and a lack of stress. As seniors, they feel that the end is near and begin to reminisce about their time at Woods-Tower.
"One funny, kind of embarrassing moment was when I totally walked and sat in the wrong class for like ten minutes. I'm a senior and supposed to know where everything is, but I guess not." -Quela Harris '12
There are many stories and funny moments that the seniors can take away from their high school experience. “The funniest thing that I can remember is when Elaina Clark and I were messing around in chemistry. I put a marker in her nose, and Mrs. Polega just laughed and shook her head” Josh said. Moments of laughter are common in the colorful classrooms of WWT.
Times like these are what make our seniors look back and remember the fun times. Many memories that last with every senior involve one of the defining aspects of our school: stairs. “Everyone falls down the stairs, so you never miss a good fall” Erisa Caka ’12 said.
Along with entertaining classroom amusements, there were also very serious and touching situations that shook the whole school. “The tragedies that our class went through was a lot [to deal with], but I think what it did most was bring everyone together,” Quela Harris ’12 said. Tough times can make a heart hurt, but it’s the pulling together that will cure it all.
Old memories like these will follow the seniors for a lifetime. All that has occurred and changed during their years has impacted each one of them as people, and created who they are today.
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