Highlights

Privilege Cards: Not just for seniors anymore

Friday, April 30, 2010 By Hannah Ballew

Last year sophomores rejoiced learning that the year ahead of them contained a lunch that was free of cafeteria food. They were free to walk off campus and eat as they please. The beginning of this year was a rude awakening to most of the new juniors when they found out only seniors were allowed to have privilege cards. But with the fourth quarter starting, juniors are wearing an additional card marked with a big black four. The school wanted to try seniors first to see how the privilege cards would do. Officers from Student Government made a proposal to the administration about the juniors being able to receive the privilege cards and about 4 weeks ago, the proposal became formal. The administration agreed that juniors who have been following rules should be recognized. Juniors can get an application and get a card on a first come, first served basis. Principal Marie Anderson feels like it will help with the students' grades. "Students worked hard third quarter to get their grades to where they can receive a privilege card. It's also a good reminder to keep their grades up so they can be eligible for a card in September," said Anderson. "Hopefully, it will be a good thing for a lot of good reasons." Sophomore Nathan Matteson is excited for next year and looks forward to receiving a card. "I am definitely happy about the privilege cards so I can go off and not be yelled at by a security guard," Matteson said. Though juniors and seniors can enjoy lunch off campus, Anderson felt that giving sophomores and freshmen privilege cards would be a step in the wrong direction. She thinks it could bring them back to the way we were last year. "Seniors worked hard throughout their years at KHS and they deserve it," said Anderson. "With the closed campus, we wanted to control and contain the chaos. Giving the underclassmen would bring us back to where we started: uncontrolled chaos." Elijah DiIorio, a freshman, agrees with Anderson. "I mean giving a freshman/sophomore a privilege card is like giving a murderer a weapon," said DiIorio. "I wouldn't say I'm not excited for the cards but it really doesn't matter to me." Altogether, safety is a number one concern within the school. "School is for learning, not socializing," Anderson said. "The cards were a huge, but good change. Before we know it, next year, it will be the norm." So far, many people have adjusted to the new changes, like the new cafateria, renovated auditorium, new tiles and the closed campus with our privilege cards. “I think it was a good decision,” said senior Victoria Deyo. “Last year, anyone could go off. Whether you were a senior, a junior, or even a freshman, it didn’t matter. I think it’s more organized this way and eventually no one will think twice about what the campus was like last year.” "It's been very successful closing campus. Ultimately, students know they need rules and it’s the students who helped make it successful and I'm grateful for that," said Anderson.