by Alana Casto –

It all starts with the first day. Pushing through the hallways, picking on underclassmen, and generally just acting like you’re the top dog. Well, that’s because you are. When one imagines senior year, one thinks of senior privileges such as finally securing that spot in the senior lounge or rocking a pair of bright legwarmers during Spirit Week. But the hidden truth of senior year is the stress: Between college applications and scholarships, the stress builds throughout the year. There is no wonder why Senioritis spreads like the plague at Fluvanna County High School once the college paper work is finished. When seniors can finally answer the dreaded “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” question, it’s like a breath of fresh air.

For many Fluvanna County seniors, college is the next step in life. The majority of seniors are headed off to their choice of a four-year in-state university. “I’m going to VCU this fall and doing a five-year Masters Program to become a teacher,” said senior Devin Peregoy. These students are seeking the precious “home away from home” experience. They have the luxury of being free from parental supervision, but also have the option to head home when homesickness kicks in or when the pile of dirty clothes in their closet reaches the ceiling. Some students are pursuing sports in college. “I will be attending Radford University in the fall as a part of their swim and dive team,” said senior Carly Csapo.  Sports opportunities are a great way for students to adjust to their new home quickly. “I am most looking forward to traveling the East Coast with my amazing teammates,” said Csapo.

For the travelers of the class of 2013, an out-of-state university will provide some much-needed time away from home. Though the cost of out-of-state attendance scares away many, some decide to pursue an out-of-state university and hope for the best. “I’ll be attending BYU-Hawaii next fall,” said senior Marisa Perry. The opportunity to explore a new area is what influences students to go to an out-of-state university. “I’m so excited to be attending a university with international students,” said Perry.

Many students from Fluvanna have other plans in mind such as technical school, PVCC, joining the workforce, or bravely entering the military. “I’m going to PVCC and then I’m transferring to UVA for nursing,” said senior Mary Ellis. All of these options offer a cheaper alternative to the enormous price tag on a four-year university. “I’m really excited because I won’t have to pay as much for college,” said Ellis.
Work uniforms and college apparel slowly replace Fluco gear as life moves on after high school. Some students will stay in Fluvanna, some will study abroad, and some will move to another city. Though the class of 2013 is parting ways, the Fluco spirit will always be a part of their hearts.