On Senior Institute Day, many seniors were outraged at the suggestion that their exclusive dress-up days should be canceled in an attempt to unify the school. Many felt that this suggestion was a violation of tradition, one that the class of 2015 had long awaited since they were underclassmen and one they felt like they deserved.

Senior Claire Kessler said not having exclusive senior dress-up days would make “Homecoming less fun and memorable.”

Many noted that the plan would backfire, including senior Shelby Steverson, who believed the administration held the “misguided notion that the other grades feel left out of the exclusive themes” when really, the underclassmen actually become excited for their final year of high school.

Seniors decided to take matters into their own hands.

Many seniors communicated online to vote on the themes and then determine which days the themes would take place. Student Council decided on the days for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

Some seniors have felt apprehensive about the repercussions resulting from differing from the dress-up days Student Council announced. However, Mr. Weaver, Prairie Ridge’s new dean, clarified the policies that would be active during this week.

There will be no policy changes concerning dress-up days. Mr. Weaver stated that if seniors wanted to create a “lasting memory” of their final year, then they would encounter “no opposition,” so as long as the costumes were deemed appropriate.

Although “appropriate” can have a different meaning to everybody, Mr. Weaver said this would be up to the “discretion of the administration.”

So far, Mr. Weaver has not received any emails from students or parents regarding the dress-up days.

Even though there are not any punishments for seniors conducting their own dress-up days, some students were curious as to why and how the suggestion came up.

There was no vote amongst the teachers over the dress-up days.

Head football coach Chris Schremp believes he may have started the idea. He saw a group of seniors this year with a tremendous amount of school spirit and thought this is the group who could unite Homecoming week. “Homecoming Week is an opportunity for our whole school to come together, not be lots of separate groups doing their own thing.”

Coach Schremp wishes seniors partaking in the school-wide dress-up days would be an example to underclassmen. “This is how you show your school spirit,” he stated. “I understand seniors want to have their own week. We don’t want to take anything away from seniors. That’s what Prom week is for.” He approached Student Council sponsors who began the conversation with their students.

According to Mr. Weaver, a few teachers approached the administration about how Mr. Weaver could be the voice that suggested the cancellation of exclusive dress-up days at Senior Institute Day.

However, when seniors were given the opportunity that day to express their opinions on the senior project, most responses were about saving the dress-up days.

The administration sees how important this is to seniors, and does not wish to interfere any further.