When senior year rolls around, students are asked to vote for their fellow seniors for superlatives. Students are chosen for categories like the most likely to succeed all the way to most school spirit.  

   It’s a tradition for many American high schools with the first superlatives introduced in the early 1900s and found in yearbooks in the 1950s. They honor students for their greatest achievements and contributions to the school. It represents both the school and the student body. 

   However, some people want to move away from the tradition. There is a belief by those students that it is a popularity contest. To avoid that, schools don’t always have students vote for each other, but staff members of the school vote instead. 

   The way to great superlatives is to be inclusive, fair and creative. It’s good to have students who can represent small groups of individuals. It’s also good to have superlatives that are interesting, so more people will vote, resulting in a larger, more diverse pool of nominees. 

   Superlatives have changed from their beginning. They now focus on the achievements and personalities of students and not physical features. Older yearbooks showed “most attractive,” “prettiest smile,” and even “best figure.” They were highly gendered towards specific people. Usually, the superlatives regarding physical appearance were only given to women. American schools have shifted from that practice. 

   At Blackman High, students were voting for the chosen nominees which were determined in a previous vote. The students who get a superlative will have their photo taken to go along with it. These will go into the yearbook at the end of the year. 

   Blackman has a superlative for students who work hard and continue to only go up from there. There’s one for students who excel in the arts. Another recognizes students that treat everyone with the same respect. Yes, Blackman also has “most attractive,” but it is for the students who are good both inside and out. 

   High school superlatives have come a long way since their introduction in the early 20th century. The toxicity surrounding the tradition is starting to change, but there will always be opposing sides to everything. If they continue to stay inclusive and allow everyone to be eligible, then the tradition should stay by the decision of the school.  

   Everybody is valued at their school. Senior superlatives are just a fun and memorable way to commemorate seniors who have made a positive impact during their time in high school. It can boost the self-esteem and confidence of students who won those superlatives. It shouldn’t be seen as a popularity contest but as a celebration for all students going onto the next part of their lives.