Juniors trespass on senior spots

September 12, 2008 — by Kelly Lamble

By the time students get to their senior year at Saratoga High School, they are worn out from the multitude of homework, SATs, and AP tests. These hardworking students are, as seniors, expecting some relaxation that comes with the perks of entering the final year of their high school career. One of the most fundamental things they expect out of their senior year is a prime parking spot—one of the coveted ones in the front of the school.

By the time students get to their senior year at Saratoga High School, they are worn out from the multitude of homework, SATs, and AP tests. These hardworking students are, as seniors, expecting some relaxation that comes with the perks of entering the final year of their high school career. One of the most fundamental things they expect out of their senior year is a prime parking spot—one of the coveted ones in the front of the school.

This year’s juniors, however, seem to have missed the memo and insist on taking spots designated for the weary senior class. This disregard for rules is forcing seniors to get to school earlier than ever before, not because they have last-minute theses to write or questions to ask, but because that is the only way to ensure getting their rightful parking space.

The rules for parking are not complicated. All of the more desirable parking spots, including ones in front of the gym and the McAfee, are designated exclusively for seniors. Juniors can park in the last two rows of the parking lot in front of the gym or out by the tennis courts.

The administration has attempted to correct the problem by issuing an announcement over the loudspeaker each morning detailing the parking policy. The attempts to point the juniors in the right direction have, however, so far gone unheeded.

If juniors continue to disregard the traditional hierarchy set in place by generations of students everywhere, the administration should take further disciplinary action. Parking in the wrong place should receive the same punishment as parking without a permit—ugly violation stickers that refuse to come off the windshield as a warning and a fine if the perpetrator continues to disobey the policy.

The senior class is not asking for much. They only want the same courtesy and respect that has been given to senior classes before them. A parking spot is five feet wide by ten feet tall, and although it’s only a piece of pavement with two painted white lines, it’s also the difference between being a senior and a junior.

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