Generations of Prep graduates will understand the overwhelming yet rewarding feeling of doing senior projects. Brought to Prep by the late great Mr. DelRio, senior binders have been a tradition at Prep for over 40 years. These binders are meant to help seniors look into their past, present, and future, filled with pictures, essays, and questions of self-reflection. Although they were not done last year, the Theology department decided to bring them back for the class of 2024.

“We decided to bring back the binders because this cherished tradition brings students lots of pride, and it is a great form of self-reflection,” said Theology teacher Mr. Bell. “Something about a physical manifestation of a student’s thoughts and discernment is very useful.”

When bringing back the binders, the Theology department decided to make some changes to the original format with hopes of reducing stress among the students.

“The biggest change that we made was getting rid of the Code of Arms paper,” said Mr. Bell. “We also streamlined the way that teachers graded the binder to make the grading process easier.”

After seniors turned in their binders on Jan. 9, senior Michael Duffy reflected on the process of making the binder.

“I enjoyed much of the general process of researching about my family, looking through old photos, and reflecting on myself,” Michael said. “However, the accumulating and ordering of it together was indeed a bit stressful.”

Senior Emily Huber shared a similar sentiment.

“The process of making my senior binder was both stressful and fun,” said Emily. “I was stressed about getting everything done and put together in just a few nights, but I also enjoyed getting to spend time with my mom looking through old photos and memories of my childhood.”

In terms of self-reflection, both seniors felt that they learned more about themselves.

“Looking back, I feel as if I definitely learned more about myself in terms of how I have grown over the years,” Emily said. “I have learned that I like to try new things, I care a lot about the important people in my life including my family and friends, and that I am very passionate about what my future will look like in terms of career choices.”

Michael shared similar feelings.

“I feel that I have learned about myself,” Michael said, “from looking at what I want to become, where I have come from, and the person that I am now.”