Lethargic behavior. Plummeting grades. Loss of interest. All of these symptoms are caused by an epidemic that’s been affecting seniors for generations.

“I can feel it, but I’m trying to block it out because I’m like ‘I have to finish and I have to finish strong,’” senior Nancy Chen said.

This infectious epidemic is known as senioritis.

There is currently no easy solution. The only proven cure is to stay motivated.

“Stay focused number one. That’s so important to stay focused on your goal,” counselor Denine Hammonds said.

“It’s your last semester…so you might as well take advantage of all the knowledge you can gain before you have to start paying for it,” Chen said.

While some try to avoid senioritis others look at it in a more positive light.

“It’s a natural thing, don’t think of it as a bad thing.  You’re almost there but don’t give all the way up. Don’t get those zeros for major grades,” senior Jaden Jaramillo said.

“It’s a time for you to take time with family, hobbies, get new hobbies, get some new life habits developed before you go into college… maybe put in about 80 percent, but still maintain your grades above a 90,” senior Jean Kim said.

Senioritis doesn’t just affect students, it affects teachers as well. They struggle to keep students motivated and focused on their work.

“I try to make the class fun, so they feel motivated and want to come and enjoy their senior year,” culinary arts teacher Tammy Mumford said.

Whether you’re battling the condition or succumbing to it, it doesn’t change the fact that seniors must be passing in order to graduate.