As May approaches, many MVHS seniors are experiencing the pressures that accompany graduation. There are a lot of things to consider: post high-school plans, graduation parties, part-time jobs, and maintaining GPAs, just to name a few.

Geneva Pleasant, 12, said, “There’s a lot of pressure on seniors, from the school, from our families, from our friends and even from ourselves. Tensions are running high. Everyone is constantly pressuring you, about grades, graduation and everything it includes, about college and your plans after high school. It’s a lot of pressure, and there’s such a flip. As soon as you become a senior you feel all these pressures weighing you down. It’s a lot [to deal with].”

It can be hard to manage all of those sources of stress. To many seniors, the pressure to do everything right, be it self-imposed, from parents, or from teachers, is a big source of stress. However, it is possible to find ways to deal with them.

“I think the best way to deal with it all is to be both excited for the future and grateful for the adventure the last four years have been,” said Erica Lohman, 12. “It’s not always perfect, but I’m trying to hold onto the best things about high school before it all slips through my fingers.

Lohman continued, “Although the pressure can be a lot to handle at times, I think it’s all been worth it. The Class of 2017 has been really great to be a part of, and I have I feeling we will approach the rest of our lives with the determination and strength we have had in high school.”

Graduation will come soon enough, and bring the next phase of life, and the next set of pressures for the class of 2017.