Rent-A-Senior Day raises money for Souhegan class of 2009

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2009

Spring at Souhegan High School plays host to many events: the prom, finals and the always intriguing Rent-A-Senior Day.

This year, that last event fell on April 10. Described by students as “chill” and “a lot of fun,” this unique fundraiser has been a staple of the senior class for at least 13 years, according to World Studies teacher Dick Miller.

The day consists of faculty, juniors, sophomores or freshmen “renting,” or using the services of, a senior for one day. The cost is $5 per senior, or three for $10, and is an excellent way for the senior class to raise money simply by spending time with teachers or friends of a younger grade.

But that isn’t all the rented seniors can do.

On Rent-A-Senior Day, it isn’t unusual to see an 18-year-old boy dressed up in knee socks and a tutu, or to see shirts depicting messages declaring ownership by an underclassman.

Although it sounds demeaning, Rent-A-Senior Day has never crossed the line to inappropriate or hurtful. Everything, including having students leave to buy lunch or carrying a backpack, is done in the spirit of raising money for the graduating class.

Laughter rings through the halls and the lawns surrounding Souhegan as everyone enjoys each other’s company in the name of fundraising.

Senior Elyse Brown, who was “rented” by a junior friend, said it was “a really creative idea, and it’s a fun way to spend a school day.”

Her classmate Abby Janson declared, “I think it’s a great way to earn money for our class.”

Even students who were “rented” by teachers, but not student friends, had an amazing time, such as Ashley Cook.

A teacher “rented me and my friends,” Cook said, “so it was a lot of fun.”

Although students are encouraged, and required by some, teachers to go to class (especially AP classes), most of the day is spent enjoying a distinctive Souhegan event. And the fact that it raised almost $700 for a class that has been known to struggle financially in the past is, to be perfectly honest, just icing on the cake.