Senior Superlatives: Tradition or Controversy?

By Relaida Collaku 

March 11, 2025 

As graduation season approaches at Colonie Central High School, the long-standing tradition of senior superlatives is once again taking center stage. These awards, which recognize students for various traits such as "Most Likely to Become President" and "Best Eyes," have sparked an ongoing debate about their relevance and fairness within the school community.

Supporters of senior superlatives at Colonie Central High School argue that they serve as a fun way to honor the unique qualities of the graduating class.

“I don’t think they’re important, I just see them as something fun,” said Emily Murray, a senior nominated for “Best Smile.”

Organizers of superlatives also see them as a fun way to bring together the graduating class. 

“Superlatives are pretty iconic for a reason,” says Maelynn Yang, the graduating class president. 

However, critics within the school community have raised concerns about the potential downsides of senior superlatives. Some students argue that these awards can perpetuate stereotypes and can be seen as a popularity contest, leading to feelings of exclusion and hurt among students who may not fit into conventional categories.

As Raechel Robilotti, a senior not nominated, states, “It’s mainly a popularity contest that focuses on the kids that are more well known.”

The competitive nature of superlatives can also lead to negative feelings. For some students, the experience of not receiving a superlative can overshadow their accomplishments and create a sense of alienation.

Murray states that she could see that even some people that got nominated weren’t happy with it like, “The person who got nominated for shortest seemed to be really upset about that whole situation.”

In light of the ongoing debate, Colonie Central High School is making efforts to adapt its approach to senior superlatives. This year, new categories that celebrate a broader range of qualities, including “Most Musical” and “STEM innovator,” have been introduced. This shift aims to ensure that a more diverse group of students feel acknowledged and valued within the school community.

Yang states that, “We also expanded it to musicals and the arts,” and that they,”...recognized people who worked really hard in their classes.”

Whether seen as a cherished tradition or a topic of controversy, senior superlatives remain a point of discussion as the school navigates the balance between recognition and inclusivity.

As Yang states,“I think people like being told by other people who they are.”

And while some argue that the tradition still stands as an ever evolving trend others argue that it's one of the more pointless traditions still around. 

Students like Murray believe that, “...this is one of the stupider traditions,” and that “It is a popularity contest and it does make people feel bad.”

As graduation nears, the question remains: can senior superlatives at Colonie Central High School evolve to celebrate all students, or will they continue to spark debate in the years to come? Only time will tell how this tradition will adapt to meet the needs of a changing student body.