High school is meant to be a launchpad. For the class of 2026, high school has reached its end. Looking back, many can recount the never ending wait till graduation came. With graduation credits secured, students began to question more and more why they’re still stuck with a bell-to-bell schedule. However, thanks to the senior privilege of additional students, seniors were able to kick back and relax for their senior year while they prepared for college.

When meeting all the requirements needed to receive your diploma, having to be stuck for hours in class that carries no usefulness for you can feel both aggravating and draining. Kiara Candelario—Woodland class of 2026 alumni—advocates for the escape study halls provide from hours upon hours of schoolwork. “Seniors should be allowed more study halls because I’ve had almost enough credits to graduate since my junior year. I only needed two credits this year to graduate,” said Candelario. “I think every senior here would agree on not having to take unnecessary classes and credits, and have a fifth study hall instead.”

Having additional study halls is one of the many perks for being a senior. Alongside that is class priority. Seniors get assigned to classes they choose first, classes they would only be filling with random choices instead of true interests. Study halls replace those unnecessary blocks. Another 2026 Woodland alumni, Helayna Desrochers, adds, “I agree that seniors who have all graduation requirements should be rewarded for having all credits. You’re taking up space in classes you don’t need that other people could want to be in,” Desrochers continues. “I think all seniors would rather have extra study halls and be able to sleep later or leave earlier.”

Being a senior is filled with a ton of responsibilities, but these extra classes aren’t one of them. Many seniors have jobs or other outside commitments as they reach young adulthood. Study halls help with that. Victoria Viveiros, another Woodland alumni, states, “I think the other seniors would agree with me because if they have work, they can leave earlier.”

The consensus remains that students who have already secured their necessary credits should be rewarded with the autonomy to manage their own time. Unfortunately, policies have not yet evolved to reflect this academic success, as students must apply for these study halls that they are not certain they will receive. Despite this, the accessibility to study halls allows them to not continue to trade valuable hours for unnecessary seats in a classroom they have already outgrown, a great way to handle the school year and prepare for what the future holds.

Written by alumni Cheyenne Haupler ’26