A RANT to the absolute lack of Upper School Earth Day participation. When the most “green” things around were the empty bags of Sour Skittles ironically littered throughout campus, we knew we were in trouble. But watching the Lower Schoolers listen to presentations and projects about the planet as we tried (and failed) to comprehend the new recycling system? That was just embarrassing.

A RAVE to the sudden spike in the amount of candy at teachers’ desks. Sometimes we are tired. Sometimes we’re sad.  Sometimes, we are really frustrated, because we have a pig to dissect and a math test to take and not a single person replied to our unnecessary mass email about our favorite, yet tragically missing,  pen. But sometimes? We just need a Twix moment.

A RAVE to the absolutely amazing prom. All high school dances should be like this one. The decorations were gorgeous, and the give-aways were mind-blowingly awesome, not to mention surprisingly valuable. And with solid music that (for once) played consistently throughout the night, we doubt that Vincent Van Gogh himself could have created a better Starry Night.

A RANT (again) to the potholes that have been plaguing our lives since what seems like the beginning of time. Though it is true that the obstacle course that is Hornet Road provides an exciting adventure to start the day, the resulting spilled coffees, flying papers, and heart palpitations are hardly worth it. We’re willing to forgive and forget as long as the problem is gone  by the time we return three months from now.

A RAVE to the Improv Show at the Pocket Sandwich Theater. The performers were sharp, the jokes were flying, and at this point, we’re comfortable ranking the troupe above SNL in terms of overall humor. But more than that, we were pleasantly surprised that our fellow classmates actually peeled themselves from their Sporcle games and Glee episodes long enough to attend en masse. Upper Schoolers, we commend you.

A RAVE to the senior prank. Yes, we all knew it was coming. And sure, re-claiming our missing book bags, cell phones, and notebooks filled with inappropriate doodles was no treat. Still, it was a clever, and creative job well done—and missing school for an hour wasn’t bad, either.  After so many years of lame pranks, we happily rank this year’s a 10.  Side note:   a “special assembly,” Mr. Hall? Really?

A RAVE to the extended green lights on Midway/Hornet Road intersection. What we lose in quiet time for self-reflection, we more than make up for with improved mental health. We get to the parking lot with time to spare, meaning less frantic attempts at parking and more breakfast before class. Starting your day carhorn-free is never a bad thing.

A RANT to the unfortunate, and completely unavoidable, SPC weekend/AP testing time crunch. Though this was in no way the administration’s fault, we find it hard to limit our frustration to muttered threats at the sky. And worse, now that students have exerted this massive, final burst of energy, we fear that our stores have been permanently drained. We fsuggest ending school early—better safe than sorry, right?

A RANT to the unsynchronized clocks of the Upper School. It’s bad enough when we get to class late and are forced to make a walk of shame across the room, only to find that all seats have been taken and, surprise, there’s a pop quiz. But arriving early and being forced to engage in infinitely awkward small talk with teachers is so, so much worse. Spare us. Please?