Pass cards have been a privilege most seniors look forward to since their freshman year, only having to come to school on certain days or at certain times.

“A pass card is a technical application process where students are declaring their intent to apply for a pass card,” said assistant principal Amy Baldwin.

To be able to apply for a pass card, the Southeast administration recently added more requirements that seniors must attend some specific class meetings. Seniors are asked to sign in using their ID with the tardy cart system where they will be counted present for the meeting.

“We have two senior meetings,” Baldwin said. “We’ve already had one. That means they have to scan their ID when we come into the auditorium.”

The application process has relatively stayed the same over the years, however this year they added a testing requirement to be able to complete a passcard application. Those who have taken the ACT and have passed with a high enough score are exempt from having to take the ACT WorkKeys.

“We’ve learned that the Work-keys, in some of our industrial businesses and the aviation businesses that we have here in town, actually use Work-keys prior to hiring students,” Baldwin said. “So that’s why we want all of our kids to take the WorkKeys. And there’s even some other businesses outside of those industries that are taking the work keys and using that and looking at job applications.”

The reason for the new requirement is to help students prepare for life outside of high school regardless if they’re going to college or not.

“They’re supposed to have applied to a college or post-secondary program or are joining the military,” Baldwin said. “This one, we have a little leeway on, because not everybody might be doing this, but they might be just entering the workforce. So, we just need some type of post-secondary plan. So, like after high school, you have something you’re going to be doing.”

For upcoming seniors, it’s recommended to take a look at these requirements if you are interested in getting a pass card next year, so you know what to expect.