JBHS Goes to College: Decision Day

Decision Day is a nationwide, annual event sponsored by the College Advising Corps. Each CAC school does something different, but the goal is still the same: celebrating the achievements of the current senior class. CIA Member Colby Sites reflects on the events of the JBHS Decision Day as well as what it means to make a decision about your future:

Na-Na-Na-Na... Na-Na-Na-Na... Hey Hey Hey GOODBYE! Decision Day is a celebration of the college and career choices this year's seniors have made. The seniors have finally completed four years of high school and because of their accomplishments both academically and through extracurricular activities, their applications for college have been returned with a standout, "YOU'RE IN!" While not an emotional type of school event, Decision Day is an inspiration to underclassmen who will one day be sitting on the other side of the gym awaiting recognition from their peers for their accomplishments.

Decision Day was held on Thursday, May 8th, but the CIA members were hard at work promoting Decision Day all week. Miss Loh went trivia-crazy, as she put college trivia on the announcements and the CIA played college trivia with students in the cafeteria. Students answered questions about weird college courses, the college process, and interesting majors in an attempt to win various college water bottles. Seniors also had the option of attending workshops on study abroad and study skills to help them transition to college.

On Decision Day, seniors got to miss 10th period and attend a special assembly. Seniors met with recent JB alumni and got to ask them what it is like to go to college or the military. Students had questions about balancing a job with homework, playing sports, and staying active on college campuses. It was an informative meeting. Afterwards, seniors received raffle prizes ranging from laundry baskets and dorm comforters to giftcards to Chipotle, Milky Way, and JD Market. The mystery bags, a new creation this year, were also some of the first items to go.

The Decision Day Assembly then brings the whole school together. Seniors sit in their normal senior-bleacher section and underclassmen sit across from them. Mr. Burkett announced the name of each senior who is planning on attending college or the military, and each senior was applauded as they signed their name on the giant map. Each senior then got to toss out a college bag or t-shirt to the underclassman of their choice.

For underclassmen, Decision Day may seem like just an assembly to receive free college apparel and skip out on class, but there is more to comprehend. High school moves by fast, and next year I will be the one tossing the t-shirt to some random kid sitting among the study body. It is fascinating to witness other students as they move on in their lives: going to prestigious schools or attending technical schools to learn a trade, staying in state, or moving halfway across the country, but the bottom line is one day we all have to make that decision ourselves. No longer will mommy or daddy hold your hand as you send in your college applications. The pressure becomes placed on the student to start deciding what he or she wants to do with their life and they must figure out their talents and abilities and use them for the benefit of others.

Congratulations to all the seniors for their accomplishments so far, and may the odds be ever in their favor. Take note underclassmen: your time is arriving soon to start planning out your decisions. One day, James Buchanan High School will be celebrating your decision to further your education.

Colby E. Sites