March is here and stress is in the air.

Junior year is known to be the hardest year in high school and with the ACT, ring ceremony and prom approaching, it’s not getting any better.

All juniors in Kentucky sat down for four hours March 12 to take their one freebee of the ACT. Tuesday, March 19, they will accept their senior rings and take their first step into their last year of high school. Then, that following Saturday, March 23, prom will be in full motion.

Some juniors have taken the ACT before, but for others, this was their first time seeing the test. Junior Kaylon Hampton said, “This was the first time I took the ACT and I feel pretty good about it, but at the same time kind of nervous because it influences how my senior year will go.”

Ring ceremony is the first big step into senior year. Senior Ava Cherry said, “I know it seems pointless and boring but it’s honestly a huge step towards senior year and graduation. It kind of hits you after the ceremony that you don’t have that much time left.” It’s looked at as an initiation into the last year of high school. Juniors can choose someone special in their life to present them with their senior ring. The ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the main gym.

Prom this year is at the Centerplate (formerly known as the Brown and Williamson Club). For most juniors this is their first prom and they can hardly wait. Hampton said, “I am excited for prom because I feel like it will be a good time with my friends and my girl. I am very excited and its interesting where prom is being at this year and that’s exciting.”

With all of these things right around the corner juniors are feeling all kinds of emotions. It’s all stressful, exciting and bittersweet. Meredith Bass said, “It’s so crazy that were all almost seniors, I’m excited but also kind of nostalgic because I love high school so much and senior year makes me feel like it’s coming to a close.” Senior year and almost graduating is soon becoming a reality.

All any student ever dreams of is to finally be out of highschool. But, you never realize how fast it really goes. Bass said, “I would tell underclassmen to never ever wish highschool away. I have loved every minute of it and it has taught me so much. Enjoy it while you can.”