To: The Atheneum Class of 2009February 18, 2009From: LydiaAs your last semester of high school is under way, I am resending a letter that was written byMaria Santillanes at the end of last summer.

…All seniors will need to complete the following in order to graduate:1.

Senior Essay: This essay is your final thesis as an Atheneum student. You should havean idea of what text you want to write about and you may already know what questionyou plan to explore in your essay. There will be several rough drafts due throughout theyear and each final essay needs to be 10-15 pages long.2. Senior Oral Exams: Once final senior essays are turned in, the faculty will hold an oralexam with the entire senior class. The oral exam is a discussion focused on the ideas presented in your essays. Every senior will be expected to speak eloquently and be ablediscuss their papers clearly. 3.

Visual Essay: Your visual essay should be well thought out and carefully put together.The goal is to reveal an idea through art, whether it be a slideshow, movie, book, photography display, etc. This is an opportunity to be creative and visually show acompelling idea.4.

Community Service Project: Every senior will need to write a proposal for a special project they want to pursue for the good of the Community. You will need to show leadership and dedication. This is a chance to lead your fellow students to participatein something that benefits Atheneum and the greater community.The class of 2009 is Atheneum’s tenth group of

graduates.Enjoy your year and remember that you are the leaders!

A schedule follows on the next page.