AP English IV seniors celebrated with a large cake that read “Congratulations Rouse Raiders” as they enjoyed the relief of senior projects being officially over.

Senior project is a graduation requirement for all senior English classes throughout the district. The project includes a paper, portfolio and visual presentation before judges.

AP English classes read two thematically linked novels, wrote a 8-12 page paper and created a portfolio and visual presentation. During the presentations Nov. 16 and 17, the students were judged on their portfolio and presentation skills.

“It incorporated the skills we learned throughout high school and pulls it all together,” senior Diane Lee said. “This allows you to stand up for what you believe in and use your knowledge that you have now to do something about it.”

Instead of reading a book, regular English classes chose topics to research for their senior projects. Students were required to create a senior sign, write a letter to the judges, submit a revised copy of the 5-8 page research paper and complete six hours of community service.

These classes presented their projects in front of judges during advocate classes this Wednesday and Thursday. Senior Karen Solórzano chose animal abuse as her topic.

 “I care about animal abuse,” Solórzano said. “We need to tell the community about it and I want to motivate people to try to stop it.”

For the presentations, seniors were coached how to dress and act professionally. Guys wore slacks and button down shirts with ties, girls wore dresses or dress pants and nice blouses. During their presentations, the seniors fielded questions from the judges and other observers in the room.

“Senior project is preparing the student for real life,” English IV teacher Sherri Sneed said. “This project will put everything in perspective.”