A lot of things about SIS are “super.” At the beginning of the school year, we have the Zero the Hero, a superhero. Every lunch period, we have our cafeteria workers, superheroes in their own right. Every morning, we have our bus drivers picking us up, superheroes. But there are no heroes without villains. In a school seemingly full of heroes, who are the villains? Or better yet, who are the “super” villains? It might have been through a sneaky Instagram Direct Message (DM) or maybe a more subtle snap streak on Snapchat, but one thing is certain: the “super” seniors are on the move.
While the term “super senior” might usually describe a fifth-year student, at SIS it has taken on a slightly different (and more humorous) meaning. It refers to seniors who, facing the ticking clock of graduation, widen their search range in hopes of securing a prom date. For some, it is a harmless joke. For others, it is a very real phenomenon.
“With prom creeping up on us, I think it is only natural that the seniors without any partners would be more inclined to make moves they previously would not have dared to attempt,” William Park (12), prom attendee, said. “With limited options within their grade due to a variety of reasons like familiarity and existing relationships, many seniors resort to becoming super seniors and attempt to date underclassmen.”
In a profession where men die young, beware of the old man.
Of course, not all seniors fall into this category. Many have long-term partners, established friend groups, or simply aren’t interested in the prom scramble. For them, the final stretch of senior year is about maintaining existing relationships.
According to underclassmen sources, the strategy varies. Some seniors opt for the classic casual approach: replying or reacting to stories or starting a Snapchat streak. Others are more direct, initiating full conversations about dating or offering snacks for them to share during break periods.
The reality is that prom is often romanticized as the pinnacle of high school. All the glamour and hype can create a sense of urgency that does not always reflect reality. For seniors, it feels like the final chapter. For underclassmen, it might feel like unexpected attention. Even the third floor, the once-abandoned territory for seniors, sees a surprising uptick in traffic.
In the end, the real takeaway is not about villains or heroes. It’s about navigating social dynamics in a way that keeps the school community comfortable and respectful. Prom is one night. Graduation is one ceremony. But how we treat each other lasts much longer.
