Senior Project is back... and so are the Oreos!

More than a dozen ambitious members of the Class of `26 got together in the Warwick Valley High School Media Center on Wednesday to begin the 2026 Senior Project program!

WVHS teachers and Senior Project program advisors Jeanine Fogler and Danielle Bugasch welcomed the students to the annual kick off lunch, during which they discussed how to take the important first steps to get started, specifically how to zero in on their topic. But, not before some serious hilarity ensued over ice breakers and team building exercises. More on that in a moment!

 

First, an overview...

Senior Project is an independent study program offered as an elective in high schools nationwide. It is a yearlong, immersive, credit-bearing class for high school seniors, during which they explore a subject that is of particular interest to them. Throughout the largely student-designed and student-driven course, participants must choose a topic that interests them, undertake what amounts to an apprenticeship in their area of interest, and then create college-level work that fulfills the program’s “Four P’s.”

1. Project (aka, the topic)
2. Paper
3. Portfolio, and
4. Presentation

Going into Wednesday's meeting, many students already had a Project (topic) in mind, so the session with Ms. Fogler and Ms. Bugasch helped them consider ways to refine their concepts, perhaps adjust their scope, and how to begin identifying and approaching mentors. These are big first steps that help lay a foundation the students can build upon as their intellectual and hands-on learning progress throughout year.

As Ms. Fogler is quick to point out, Senior Projects aren't just built on a solid academic foundation, they also rely on the foundation of support and camaraderie that Senior Project students build with one another along the way.  And so, it was time to forge new bonds between a new group with an annual rite of Senior Project: the Oreo Challenge!

“During the Oreo Challenge, the students each get an Oreo. They must tilt their heads back and place the cookie flat on their foreheads. Then, using only neck angles and facial muscles -- no hands! -- they have to try and get the cookie down into their mouths without dropping it,” explained Ms. Fogler. Ms. Bugasch even joined in on the fun this year! 

The task isn't an easy one, and you can see that everyone feels awkward as it starts. But, in no time, everyone's kindheartedly laughing at themselves and one another.

"And what you see is these kids start to really cheer one another on. The activity is fun, it's silly, it breaks the ice; but what it really is, is foreshadowing."

"This program creates remarkable bonds, and this kind of teamwork and support we see on day one only gets stronger over the next eight months,” said Ms. Fogler.

You can learn more details about the Senior Project program in the Senior Project Handbook. The program reflects and nurtures key traits of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. It is a rigorous program that demands high-level problem-solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to be a thoughtful collaborator; it instills and encourages a spirit of lifelong learning.     

The next big milestone for this year’s Senior Project cohort comes in December, when they will announce their topics and goals in a formal ceremony before school faculty and administration. After that, they will begin work with a mentor in their field and, over the course of the year, devote hours to research, writing, mentor sessions, planning, and editing. The program culminates in June with final presentations made before a panel of judges.

“This program is so rewarding, and it’s so much fun,” said Ms. Fogler. “It’s hard to believe we’re nearly two decades into encouraging these students to — as we like to say — ‘explore their passions and discover themselves!’”