The Senior Class of 2012 has found themselves deprived of many of the activities and traditions given to previous senior classes, namely, the overnight senior class retreat.

Last year, the senior class of 2011 traveled to Sky Ranch in Tyler for a one-night retreat where students participated in various activities and spent time with their classmates before graduation. This year, however, there will be no overnight trip for seniors.

“We tried the experience of a senior retreat last year, as we had never gone on one before,” principal Gavan Goodrich said. “We didn’t get full participation from all students at the retreat.”

Goodrich also cites unforeseen challenges that last year’s organizers faced as a reason for not having the retreat.

“Our experience with last year’s retreat has also influenced [the administration’s] decision not to have retreats because of things that we didn’t really anticipate, like going to Sky Ranch with boys and girls that are seniors in high school,” Goodrich said. “It’s a little different than going to Sky Ranch with fifth graders, so managing that was a little difficult.”

According to Goodrich, administrators tried to plan a senior retreat at the beginning of the year, but several logistical issues posed major problems.

“If we are going to have a senior retreat, we need to make sure that it is a quality experience for the kids,” Goodrich said.

Many students were not even aware that a senior retreat was a possibility discussed by administrators.

“I didn’t even know that there was supposed to be a senior retreat this year,” senior Harjot Dhesi said.

Even some of the students who knew about the senior retreat feel apathetic over the retreat’s cancellation.

“I honestly don’t really care too much that the senior retreat was cancelled,” senior Hiram Muhammed said. “I wasn’t too excited to attend it anyway.”

Many seniors, who had been expecting to go on the trip for several years, were blindsided by this announcement.

“At other schools seniors get lots more privileges than we do, so this was something we had looked forward to,” senior Jodi Short said.

Although seniors will not be able to attend an overnight trip, there will be a day trip to Six Flags in Arlington on May 30. Other traditions, such as the annual Senior and Parent Graduation Luncheon will still be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 28 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Allen.

There is still a possibility that future seniors may have the opportunity to attend retreats.

“I’m always open for new ideas, and I was actually the one who brought the idea to the table, so I’m not against it,” Goodrich said. “We have kids all over the place with their schedules in the spring, and we would have to really plan out the retreat in advance, however, I’m open to any idea that supports students.”