As the class of 2003 completes their high school years, apathy has its greatest chance to descend and prevent these soon-to-be former students from meeting their potential.

Over these last four years, the class achieved many aspirations that otherwise would only be unfulfilled dreams. From accomplishments on the field or court, to prizes in the academic realm, the endeavors of this class will be long remembered.

After such experiences, the participants recall the enormous amount of work it took to achieve their goal. For some, it meant months of practice in the extreme summer heat. Others sacrificed many hours of social time to prepare for competition. Still others worked as a team, putting aside individual glory, to reach collective triumph.

In terms of academic awards, present seniors have received county or state acknowledgement in Mathfax, art, music, journalism, Academic Decathlon and Teachers of Tomorrow competitions, to name a few.

As for athletic prizes, sports teams won championships in volleyball, boys’ and girls’ tennis, baseball, girls’ soccer, a co-championship in boys’ basketball, and the school’s first 11-man football championship.

Such achievements clearly demonstrate the potential of the members of this graduating class. Even in the midst of such ability, apathetic feelings can still grow strong in individuals.

Characteristics of indifference include lack of desire to work to achieve an aim or excellence, unwillingness to go beyond what is comfortable, and inflexibility during group efforts. The ease of entering into this state of being makes it a very common problem for graduates.

Apathy can be destructive when allowed to overcome the individual. Thus it is necessary to surmount these feelings in order to move on to greater things and fulfill one’s potential.

High school graduation should not be the end of the story of accomplishment, but merely the beginning.