Hackettstown High School

Senior Project Program

What does a high school do to keep 12th graders interested in learning and involved with the process? Three years ago Hackettstown High School piloted a program that offered these students the opportunity to pursue independent study in an area of their own choosing. These Seniors have one semester to complete a project that will be graded entirely on their final product.

Students meet for 80 minutes each day, but make all of their own decisions as to how that block of time will be used. Each student has a faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly, and each must keep a daily time and activity journal.

The program is coordinated by High School teacher Donna DeGraw, who sings the praises of her Senior Project students. She is especially pleased that this program has infused new energy and enthusiasm into Senior year, a time that many students begin to slack off and take it easy. What a great way to give students a taste of the real world!

Senior Projects cover a wide spectrum of activities – from photography to fashion design, from teacher’s assistants to social work, from physics to plant propagation. Some students have written a short novel, while others have painted pictures or designed outdoor living areas. Students worked on historical perspectives, volunteered, and interned in local businesses.

Taking part in a Senior project is a great way to explore interests and develop untapped abilities before heading out into the big world outside of high school.

Vanessa Cohen stands next to her painting that reflects on the September 11th terror attacks on America.

Kristyn Ecochard helped to create a chapter of TREND, the High school anti-drug, alcohol, and tobacco group, at the Hackettstown Middle School

Melissa Celii and David Panetta did extensive research on the History of Hackettstown .