By Minh Ngoc Le
Walking into any sports practice, it is not uncommon to see an upperclassman captain leading their team, setting an example of what years of hard work, dedication and experience can build. Seniority is present everywhere and high school culture is no exception, with upperclassmen holding both an unspoken authority and a respected position among their peers.
Many upperclassmen argue that seniority at high school is inevitable. The concept of seniority in high school goes beyond just having a higher “rank” than other students — with more years of experience come privileges, such as owning senior parking spots, front-row seats at football games or holding executive positions in clubs or organizations. Seniors are often on top of the hierarchy when it comes to course selection and student activities — a system that may seem to be flawed from the viewpoint of freshman or sophomore students.
The unspoken rules and traditions of seniority aren’t as well known among underclassmen, especially in recent years. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the younger generation from getting a “preview” of the seniority concept at the middle school level.
To underclassmen, rituals like these might seem silly, but to upperclassmen, seniority rights represent something much bigger — a recognition of the time, effort and dedication that went into reaching their final years of high school.
In extracurricular clubs, passing the torch between leaders every year is a valuable tradition that can showcase a student’s journey. As with most clubs at Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), leadership positions are typically given based on both seniority and skill. While it may seem unfair that upperclassmen often receive priority during election processes, the system is fitting, given that future leaders have time to observe how their predecessors lead. Beyond gaining leadership experience, these older students are also more familiar with the club members and its overall culture. Having this familiarity is crucial to continuing the spirit and legacy of the club and the values it represents.
A similar status quo applies to the multiple years of participation in a sports team earning certain privileges. Often when taking photos, a common phrase passionately shouted by upperclassmen is: “Freshmen in the back, seniors in the front!” Although this class order may seem excessive, these athletes have waited years to finally move up to the front row. Underclassmen must recognize the dedication it took for their counterparts to get to where they are today and acknowledge the privilege and honor that comes with seniority on a team.
As much as upperclassmen enjoy laughing at the freshman inexperience, we were all freshmen at one point, lost in the labyrinth of the FVHS campus and unfamiliar with the social codes of high school. While seniority privileges may seem frustrating at the moment, it is essential to recognize that every student will get their turn at the top and, in turn, should show respect on their way up.
Seniority isn’t a necessity, but the rights that come with the title are something that can make the senior year more special. If taken too seriously, the concept may harm the diverse social dynamics that high school provides. However, when approached lightheartedly, seniority helps preserve the community’s cherished traditions and adds to the shared experience that makes high school memorable.
