Written by: Alessi

Edited by: Grace

Visual by: Audrey

“We’ve heard it all: we’re not good enough, they’re the reigning champions. But no, today I say we are the class of 2026!” declared Emilio, Senior Class President, during Battle of the Bearcats (BOB) this year.

Historically, seniors were almost guaranteed the spotlight. They won nearly every BOB, held the vast majority of leadership positions in clubs, and even had the privilege of sitting in the elevated area of the Kantina, making it the unofficial ‘senior area.’ By virtue of being the oldest and most experienced batch, seniors were placed on a pedestal in the school hierarchy. The few exceptions, like senior BOB losses in 2019 and 2024, were anomalies in an otherwise consistent tradition of senior dominance.

However, recent observations suggest that this supremacy may no longer be present. In interviews with anonymous seniors, a recurring sentiment emerged: the prestige traditionally given to seniors is absent from their batch. 

“It’s not fair,” one senior remarked. “We’ve always treated the upper batches with respect, so we just want the same feeling to be reciprocated back to us.” Another added, “It feels like the juniors are always getting more praise in assemblies, rap battles, or even just in the conversations of underclassmen.”

These remarks reflect a growing sense of disappointment among current seniors, many of whom feel that the respect they deserve is now being redirected toward younger students. But is this true? Is senior supremacy really gone, or is it all an overreaction?

To gain a broader perspective, various underclassmen were interviewed before BOB. A freshman shared, “I don’t think seniors are being disrespected… It’s just not as automatic as it used to be. Maybe if they win BOB this year, they will get the same, or more respect as the juniors.” In other words, many younger grades believe that respect is no longer guaranteed by grade level, but earned through performance in school events like BOB.

Such a shift suggests that inherited authority is being replaced with merit-based recognition. While seniors and underclassmen may disagree on whether “Senior Supremacy” has disappeared, this change may not necessarily be a negative one. Rather, it can reflect a new standard: respect in ISM is no longer inherited but earned.

As a result, underclassmen are starting to make meaningful contributions to the school community. From leadership roles in clubs and varsity sports to increased participation in assemblies, younger grades are carving out their own space. One student leader from the Model United Nations club noted that this year saw the largest number of freshman sign-ups, highlighting the growing involvement of underclassmen in traditionally senior-led spaces. 

So, the question remains: Is Senior Supremacy really gone? In short, no.   Seniors still have the opportunity to leave a legacy, but underclassmen want them to lead by example—not just tradition. Younger grades are not looking for seniors to claim authority because they are older; they are looking for role models who show action, integrity, and, most importantly, school spirit. 

Maybe all it takes is a change in mentality—call it a ‘mob mentality’, fitting with the seniors’ Mafia theme at BOB.