In Elmhurst, IL, the tradition has always been that seniors are excused from finals and permitted to leave school two weeks early. This year, however, York administration has disrupted this long-standing practice, requiring us to take finals and stay until the very last day. This change feels like unfair treatment, especially given that past graduates enjoyed these privileges and that we are already committed to our future paths in college.

For years, seniors at York high school have eagerly anticipated this rite of passage—a meaningful way to recognize our hard work and transition into the next phase of our lives. Requiring seniors to remain in school and complete finals after college acceptance feels unnecessary and burdensome. Eliminating finals and the early release is not just about traditions; it's about acknowledging that at this stage, our academic focus has shifted.

The reality is, by the end of the school year, seniors have committed to their future paths. Many have achieved academic milestones, met GPA requirements, and have themselves lined up for their college journeys. In past years, the school system's acknowledgment of this shift in focus was evident in allowing seniors to leave two weeks early without finals.

While we understand the need for some structural changes, denying us these traditional privileges seems excessive and unnecessary.

This petition aims to appeal to the school board to reinstate the previous policy, ensuring that the Class of 2026 and future classes can enjoy this time-honored tradition. This would demonstrate that we value customs and acknowledge the preparedness of seniors as they transition into adulthood.

Sign this petition to support the reinstatement of our traditional end-of-year privileges for seniors and return York to a place of fairness and tradition for its students.