The senior project has been an ongoing capstone to every senior class’s high school career. For the 2025-2026 school year, Camas High School (CHS) has made some prominent changes to the organization staff of the senior project.
No changes are being made to the project itself. The process of the project begins with the seniors finding a mentor and deciding on a project idea which is then approved by the CHS staff. If the chosen mentor is not a CHS staff member, they have to undergo a background check. From there, it is up to the seniors to keep up with their minimum 20 hour project requirement. The staff will do periodic check-ins with them with the requirement that seniors complete a minimum of five hours between each check in. Once the project is completed, the seniors will present their project to the CHS staff in a seven to 11 minute presentation at senior boards.
The main change that is occurring is a change in the advisor. CHS teacher Kristi Bridges had to hand off her role as advisor to a new advising team. This team consists of CHS associate principal and athletic director Stephen Baranowski, academic supporter Lisa Schneider, and CHS administrator Shelby Martinson, along with others that will support throughout the process.
“They had a meeting with me earlier this week, so I gave them everything I had and wished them the best of luck,” Bridges said.
The new senior project advising staff is looking forward to playing a role in this process in the year ahead.
“I did the senior project when I was a senior in high school and I see the value in the project and letting students go through and see what they achieve with this project,” Baranowski said. “I was excited about the opportunity to work with the senior projects.”
The main reason behind this change is the recent budget cuts the Camas School District (CSD) had to apply. The funding for the senior project advisor position was eliminated. Bridges previously had one class period per day dedicated to working on the senior project, but this period had to be eliminated in order to avoid excessive class sizes in the English department.
“Due to the district budget decline, we had to take our coordinator, Bridges, and we had to put her in an English or social studies class. It was rough because she is amazing,” CHS principal Kelly O’Rourke said.
Bridges has been able to provide a steady foundation for the senior project, leading to a smooth transition of the advising team.
“The process, because she has done such a good job, year after year, makes it easier for someone to come in and take what she did,” O’Rourke said.
Many students agree that the senior project process is very well organized.
“I feel like we have a good amount of time to be completely prepared for it and I like how the small due dates help us finish the project at the right pace,” Nabeeha Ahmed, CHS senior, said.
Seniors need to make sure they are keeping in mind certain tips in order to be set up for success.
“Be picky about your project. Don’t go for something just because it is easy,” Bridges said.
“The biggest thing is just take it really seriously especially at the beginning when getting it set up,” CHS career specialist Sean Tamura said.
Overall, the CHS senior project has provided many opportunities for the senior class. Despite changes in the advising team, CHS will continue to run the project like it has to continue to give students this experience.
