(June 11, 2004) -- “Senior project worsens procrastination.” This is what was written on Calculus teacher, Fred Blattner’s white board, and while most of the students in class seemed to nod their head in agreement, Blattner completely disagreed.

The senior project was meant to be an educational experience for the Clark student, yet ended up being nothing but a nuisance to all. Edmond Petrossian, whose project was fixing cars to make them go faster, felt that the project was superfluous for all students. “Even though the senior project is a learning stretch, students feel there is too much pressure put on them and choose topics that will never benefit them.” Petrossian spent a total of $4,000 on just his fieldwork alone. Neil Klungmontri, who learned how to DJ, spent $400 and said that the project was a waste of time and money.

May was the stressful month in which everything seemed to take place. Advanced Placement testing and preparing for finals were just two out of many reasons why senior projects should not have taken place. The project was a burden for seniors who were trying to work and study at the same time. It was not only a load for seniors; teachers also had to put their work aside to judge the projects, which was difficult for teachers since finals were drawing near.

Clark is the only high school in the district that has senior projects as a graduation requirement. It is unfair and needless to say that only Clark students are required to complete this project in order to graduate, while other seniors from other high schools have nothing to worry about.

After three years of high school, seniors should have deserved the right to be free of any projects, such as the senior project, that would get in the way of other important businesses such as seeing that all important documents be sent to colleges or finishing up graduation requirements. With other more necessary tasks to complete, senior project was last on everyone’s to-do list. “No one took it seriously. It ruined our senior experience,” said Steve Shim.

Most believe the senior project should not have been mandatory, but rather an optional elective course for those who actually would like to write a research paper and do all the other work that came with the project.

“[Senior project] was very poorly organized and it is ineffective because it is a project that could be done in one day, so there is no personal growth,” said Allen Biglarian.