An epidemic has swept through the hallways of Canyon High School, primarily affecting students who have been in high school for about four years. Symptoms may include fatigue, tiredness, depression, lack of attention, irritability, headaches, complacency, apathy and a constant reminder of how many days until graduation.

A cure for this disease, nicknamed “Senioritis,” will be administered to graduating students in exactly 37 days via high school diploma.

As two seniors whose schedules are filled with academics, theater, choir, cheerleading, journalism, leadership programs, honor societies and church activities, we know what it is like to feel overwhelmed during senior year. However, Senioritis is not a viable reason to blow off the importance of school.

For most students, schoolwork won’t end after graduation. The course load will become more extensive and difficult with college and graduate school, and developing a negative attitude towards work will only hurt students later on in their education. Get used to doing work, seniors. It doesn’t stop here.

Even after education is complete, graduates will start building their careers and families, where work is required and excuses are not an option. We’ve yet to find a job where playing Quiz Up! with your headphones blaring is appropriate workplace behavior. On top of that, negative comments and laziness are not acceptable in the workplace or in your home. There will never be a time in your life when being tired of something forgives poor work ethic.

By complaining throughout the remainder of high school, students are wasting away final opportunities they have to learn and to leave a positive impression on the people they may soon leave for college. To many students, senior year is the final chance to be with friends and make a few final memories of high school. Viewing this year as an obligation instead of an opportunity diminishes the chance students have to enjoy the last months before graduation.

Senioritis is not a rite of passage for all graduating seniors, but an excuse. Surviving senior year is a requirement for graduation, regardless of how tired students are. However, exhaustion is no reason to give up working on something that’s taken 12 years to achieve. Seniors should not quit the race during the final stretch. Finish the race.

To existing seniors, try to understand that everyone is tired from a long school year and ready for summer vacation, including teachers. However, complaining will do nothing to make graduation arrive any faster. To future seniors, realize that your senior status does not mean you cannot enjoy your final year of high school.

We believe that senior year will only be as great as you make it. Embrace an attitude adjustment and get over Senioritis. Life is easier when you enjoy it.