For the first time in over five years, seniors may not be granted senior privileges.
Originally, when Archbishop Riordan was an all-boys high school, senior privileges were instilled to give seniors rewards for their efforts all four years of high school.
Beginning with small perks like modified dress or a senior lunch line, the rewards given to the graduating class have steadily increased over the years.
Now, under the reason of “too many detentions,” this year, seniors were projected not to have senior privileges at all. This decision would make sense if the Class of 2026 had a much higher detention rate than previous classes, but there is no clear indication that this is the case.
After years of hard work and dedication, seniors will not be rewarded with simple benefits that don’t even affect their education. Even with all the love and trust they have put into this school, they still may not receive a simple senior tradition.
The Class of 2026 has achieved countless outstanding accomplishments during their years at Riordan. For example, athletes have won profound sporting events and have made significant athletic achievements.
Specifically, seniors have been key components on championship-winning teams, such as the 2025 CCS Open Division Boys Football Champions, the 2024, 2025, and 2026 CCS Open Division Boys Basketball Champions, and the 2025 CCS Division III Girls Volleyball Champions.
More athletic achievements include leading roles in the creation of programs like the girls’ flag football team and dance team.
Seniors have also made a huge impact on award-winning programs, like Journalism, Band, and Robotics. Other accomplishments include making a notable impact on the future of Riordan and its community, like the Student Parliament encouraging school spirit and the Knights Club welcoming future Crusaders.
Last, but not least, seniors have made tremendous academic achievements throughout their years at Riordan. They have scored weighted GPAs in the high fours, taken numerous advanced placement classes, scored high on the SAT, and completed dual enrollment at community colleges.
The achievements and hard work have allowed seniors to be admitted into many prestigious universities, including multiple University of California campuses and Ivy League schools.
While it makes sense that administrators are judicious about giving the Class of 2026 their privileges, this class has done more than enough to earn them. Having free dress and being able to go off campus for the fourth block open period would largely benefit and encourage the senior class to finish their last weeks of high school on a positive note.
Their access to senior privileges should not solely be based on detentions, but should be a testimony to their years at Riordan. After years of fun here, it would be a shame for seniors to have their journey through high school end without the simple farewell tradition of senior privileges.
