Due to the cancellation of STAR testing there is no longer a good reason for seniors to be off campus — or so says CUSD.

This is a major change to tradition at SJHHS and other high schools. Every year we would see and hear about the seniors going to Knott’s and even though we were taking STAR tests, we thought someday we would be at Knott’s and others would be testing.

Now, the well-deserving graduating class of 2014 does not get to go to Knott’s Berry Farm as other classes have in the past.

The district always opposed the idea of having a senior trip but tolerated it to create a quieter testing environment for the other classes who were taking the tests. Now, with the STAR testing canceled, district officials have an excuse for ending the tradition indefinitely.

Teachers complained that the ones responsible for testing the students would have to stay in school while others were lucky enough to be able to join the kids on their trip to Knott’s.

Teachers have forgotten that it was called the “Senior Trip to Knott’s” for a reason. The graduating classes were not only being rewarded for graduating, but also rewarded for the many years of STAR testing that they had to go through.

With this sudden and almost sly cancellation of the trip, seniors are outraged at this unfair slight against a class that has contributed to raising test scores during STAR, which the district then uses to bolster its image in the community.

Knott’s was a simple way of saying thank you to those hard-working students.

One student, Harlin Camarena, gave his opinion on the ending of the tradition.

“The trip to Knott’s is what every senior looks forward to. It’s a chance to hang out with all your friends in your graduating class for the last time before we all leave for good.”

The district should reconsider ending a tradition at San Juan Hills over one day of a well-earned trip to Knott’s Berry Farm.