A tradition that has been at Marymount for the recent history was taken away – the Senior Den. It was adjacent to the cafe and behind the student store gifted from a graduated class of Marymount. It was a privilege that many sailors looked forward to utilizing throughout their last year. If they felt bombarded by the stresses of SAT/ACT or college applications, seniors could retreat to the Senior Den for an escape. The room possessed multiple couches and blankets for seniors to lounge upon, making it an accessible place where girls bond with their fellow classmates. Everything changed this past summer: seniors received an email explaining that the beloved den would be replaced by the new sports medicine center. But with the loss of the den, seniors would be granted the remainder of their senior privileges earlier, such as leaving school early during their free periods and period 9. We approached our peers asking, “What are your thoughts on the loss of Senior Den?”

“I think all of us being in one area really unites us as a class, and would have united us for our last year.” – Samara Johnson ‘20

“I agree that Senior Den would have been good for bonding. I think that Seniors would have come together and hang out and eat lunch and study, it would have been a good way of getting to know each other.” – Bella Kimbrough ‘20

“I think seniors should have the ability to have senior den because it unites the class and it’s one of their number one class privileges, because when you get those class privileges it makes you feel really good about yourself and it makes you a unified senior class.” – Abby Arnerich ‘21

“I like it because we get our other privileges earlier and can leave school early and normally one group takes over Senior Den, so now everyone gets to share the senior privileges. ” – Kelly Sodl ‘20

“It’s understandable that they made it so that Genki could have it because injured athletes would have had to go all the way down the hill to get to the old place.” – Ali Mora ‘20

Overall, there are conflicting opinions: some seniors believe they are missing out on the jokes, snacks, and insight that would have been shared in the den. Others appreciate receiving their remaining senior privileges early without worrying about the domination of the den. Although the den was a treasured area, our Athletic Trainer, Genki, now has a fabulous space where athletes can easily retreat to in times of physical discomfort or injuries. Who knows, maybe the senior den will make its reappearance later on in Marymount’s future?