South Whidbey High School seniors gain lunch liberty

South Whidbey seniors have the opportunity to leave campus for lunch.

South Whidbey seniors have the opportunity to leave campus for lunch.

The school board approved the student body’s proposal for senior off-campus rights at Wednesday’s business meeting. Elli Madsen, Falcon senior class president, presented the proposal to the school board and answered a few questions from board members.

Vice principal Scott Mauk said only 25 seniors applied for and received off-campus rights. Approved seniors are given a sticker for their student identification or Associated Student Body card, which is checked before a senior may leave the Maxwelton Road campus during lunch. Having someone monitor the seniors and the parking lot has been difficult, however.

“With secretarial time being winnowed down, that’s very challenging,” Mauk told the board.

Board Member Linda Racicot asked Madsen where seniors go during the 30-minute lunch break. Madsen said most head for the Dairy Queen in Clinton or Pickles at Ken’s Korner Shopping Mall, and a smaller number drive into downtown Langley.