SPA THINKS: Should seniority be respected?

Seniority —the concept of an individual deserving larger opportunities and respect if they are older— can be seen as something earned with knowledge and experience or as an unfair advantage. For some at SPA, seniority may mean seniors getting first pick for electives. For others, this means giving away opportunities based on grade level rather than talent and effort. Should high school be a place where privilege is connected to grade level, or a place where a student’s excellence is rewarded by respect and opportunities, no matter their grade level? We asked four students whether they believed in seniority at SPA.