BY ELLIOT WARNER

The second semester of senior year is viewed by many students as a much needed time to relax after an exhausting college process. Stephanie Katz ‘12, believes that “After four hard years of high school, the last few months are a well-earned break.” What this usually means is that schoolwork takes a backseat to things of greater enjoyment, such as a day at the beach, or a morning spent asleep. However, while this attitude is understandable, it has led to a situation where many faculty members think it has gone a bit too far. Principal Elizabeth Clain believes that this condition, commonly known as “senioritis,” is a real issue at Mamaroneck High School.

To combat this issue, a senior internship program will be instituted this spring. Found at many high schools in the Westchester area, these programs are designed to allow seniors to work at jobs they find interesting, instead of attending school. Like many of the faculty, Caroline Scudder, a history teacher who has taught many students suffering from senioritis, says that this program will be, “A much better use of students’ time and energy.”

This program is structured around the idea of helping students gain real world experience on the job. Beginning in May, participants will be required to work thirty hours a week at their jobs instead of coming to school. The program will continue for four or five weeks, helping students understand what it means to be in a work environment for a sustained period of time.

Since the program will begin around the time of AP tests, students taking these tests will not be required to work as many hours, allowing for more study time. The program is open to any senior on track to graduate. Even though only 20 or 30 spots will be available, this program aims to attract a diverse group of students.

This program will undoubtedly be a positive addition to the school. Not only will students be allowed to explore fields of work they would like to pursue, but this program will also help foster beneficial mentor-mentee relationships.

It will also provide seniors with a chance to avoid falling into an unproductive groove at the end of the year. Stephan Moise ‘12 is on the senior internship committee and he is excited about the program because, “It gives seniors an opportunity to do something interesting after APs, as opposed to the usual senior slacking.”

This program is completely new at MHS, and no one knows how many students will be interested in applying. Since the application process is being run through the guidance department, if interested, all you have to do is talk to your counselor. Additionally, even though not everyone will be selected, this initiative will help gauge future interest in the senior internship program.