By Staff Writer, Jessica Liontop

From the moment students enroll in primary school to their final year of high school, thoughts of graduation strike feelings of eagerness and excitement. While most are successful in their journey through their pre-college education, some may find themselves shocked to be presented with the news that although other graduation requirements have been fulfilled, the abundance of truancies on their record will prevent them from walking across the graduation stage in June to receive their diploma. 
            Seniors who have 10 days or 50 periods worth of truancies are not allowed to walk with their peers when graduation takes place in June, making this a valid motivation to make up for unexcused absent days.
            “[Graduation] is very important to me, especially being the youngest of two children and having seen my brother graduate,” said senior Ben Lawal (’08). “My parents’ reaction when they called his name was the best thing about graduation and I can’t wait for my turn.”
            For those in their senior year, there may just be an alternative that will clear up their truancies: Saturday school.
            Administrators last week began a monthly Saturday school for frequently truant seniors that goes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., in order to give them a second chance to truly prove that they want to walk the stage with their fellow classmates when June rolls around.
            “Students’ excuse is often ‘I just don’t want to come,’” said Dean of Attendance Mark Rubio. “I believe parents should be more involved and instill consequences at home, and maybe we can better this problem,” Rubio said.
            Classes will be taught by a variety of teachers according to availability, including  Rubio.