On a normal day, a couple hundred students usually sit in one of the two main seating areas in the Commons: the Upper Commons and the Lower Commons. Upperclasmen—seniors and junirs—often sit in the Upper Commons, while underclassmen—freshmen and sophomores—are left to squeeze themselves into the overcrowded Lower Commons. In some cases, groups of friends may wander off to other areas around the school, but the Commons continues to be the central meeting point during lunch – and a place for students looking to hang out with friends during their breaks. 

The separation between grades in the Commons may seem natural for a high school dining area, but for some students, especially underclassmen, the separation of these spaces can feel unfair and problematic.

One of the main concerns for underclassmen is that “communication is hard during lunches and [they] have to race to get a seat” due to the limited amount of space. Calling the Lower Commons “limited” is an understatement; there seems to be hardly enough space to seat a group of 196 students at a time, and this forces some to stand as they eat, or find other places around campus to properly enjoy their breaks and lunches. 

In addition to the seating arrangements, younger students who have older siblings – or who are friends with upperclassmen – cannot connect with their older counterparts because of the unspoken rule. Ashra Odiase, a senior, recalls how during her freshman year, “a junior kicked [her] out of seating in the Commons,” commenting, “‘This is a junior area, can you please move?’” Now, as a senior, Odiase is compelled to discourage her freshman sister from sitting in the Upper Commons because of her grade level.

Despite the social separation between family and friends at Pingree, many feel strongly towards the split between grades and believe in the positive effects it can have on the student body. From the beginning of one’s Pingree career, students are taught how to effectively communicate and collaborate with their peers in an effort to strengthen their bond. The faculty’s efforts have paid off. Justin Young, a senior, believes that “underclassmen should spend more time conversing and connecting with people closer to their age…as they will find more similarities with people in those age groups.” Similarly, Kai Guimarães, a freshman, remarks how the seating arrangements keep peace and organization between grades.

Many  juniors and seniors seem to have a strong opinion about underclassmen sitting in the Upper Commons; when asked how they would feel if the school administration enforced free seating – allowing  freshmen and sophomores to sit in the Upper Commons, – many were quite against it. 

“It would be a ridiculous, unenforceable policy,” said senior Juan Moralez, “and there would be more effective ways to get all grades to interact with each other.” 

Odiase came with a more sentimental approach to it: “It’s a tradition for seniors to sit up there because we had to earn the right to do so…we’re all used to it. Because we got to that point, it’s a nice way to symbolize your Pingree career.” 

Surprisingly, many underclassmen agreed about the importance of seniority. A group of freshmen girls said that  upperclassmen “deserve” their place in the Commons, noting that when they become upperclassmen, they will want to sit there too. It is evident that students at Pingree value seniority and tradition, as these things make their time at Pingree all the more meaningful.

Pingree takes a traditional and sentimental approach to respect and communication among grades, one that is unique to the school itself. However, this leaves some wondering if tradition itself is a reasonable cause to divide a student body. Is Pingree tradition born from earned respect and appreciation, or do upperclassmen feel a strong sense of entitlement to the more comfortable seating areas? It is clear that students are able to acknowledge the seniority of their upperclassmen, and as a result, grow to appreciate the privileges that they are given. Seniors represent leadership, maturity, and, most importantly, tradition in high school; it is no wonder students have created separate seating arrangements to display the achievements of the senior class.