Your Guide to Senior Projects
As the Spring flowers start to bloom, so does the excitement about summer drawing near. For seniors, this may come a little early. From May 22nd to June 5th, seniors have the option to take part in what’s called a senior project. Seniors have unlimited possibilities to work with businesses in the area rather than come to school for the weeks between exams and graduation; however, finding their project is entirely up to the individual. Although the process may seem rather intimidating at first, it’s great practice talking to businesses and getting a taste for a possible career option.
To be eligible to participate, you must be passing all classes with a two or higher in guiding principles, have acceptable attendance in all classes during the third quarter, and have received no major discipline referrals in the third quarter
You must also meet all the deadlines with paperwork (links are below). Here are some important dates to keep in mind:
- April 7th: Section 1 (a one-page summary of what you plan to do and a signature from the coordinator/business)
- May 8th: Section 2 (the business’s contact information and signature, as well as your own)
- May 22th-June 5th: Senior Projects! You must keep a daily log including how many hours you worked (minimum of 45-hours total) and what you did that day.
- June 6th: Roundtable discussion about what you gained from your experience and what you would suggest for future projects. Your daily log, a one-page conclusion, and thank you note to your business is also due.
While all of these due dates seem daunting, the experience is totally worth it, and way better than staying in classes for two weeks. The possibilities are endless: WCSH news channel, one of the RSU21 elementary schools, a local construction businesses, Wells Urgent Care, Kennebunk Police Department, and many more. The first step is to contact the business either by email, phone, or in person. Explain that you’re a senior at KHS and are looking for a senior project opportunity. If they are interested in having you, set up a meeting where you can discuss details and get your forms signed. Make sure to be very polite and gracious.
Last year senior, Olivia Ferrick, had a very successful senior project; she worked on Jonathan Kilbourn’s Maine State Senate campaign. Not only was it a great way to get out of class, but she “gained a lot of knowledge about the work that goes behind a political campaign, and it helped me learn how to go about acquiring an internship.” However, she suggests planning your project early, so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Businesses and contact info: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Mk9hUbN63aHhV2oVE4iKMQ51rwvQPAdgjWEhEkjn5eY/edit?ts=56fa6d5d#gid=0
Section 1 and Section 2: