Senior year is the year of decisions, memories, and chances. PV seniors are given the opportunity to pursue an interest or talent of their choosing through the option of senior projects. The students who choose to pursue these projects are excused from one of their classes for the second half of the year to work on the project and get graded based on their efforts and end result. The process also includes a detailed research paper, weekly journal entries, and a mentor to help the students along the way. Take a closer look into these senior projects to learn about both the process these students go through and the projects themselves.

Not everyone has what it takes to write a novel, but PV senior Caitriona McIntyre is certainly up for the challenge. For her senior project, she is writing a fictional fantasy novel that tells the story of fairy tale characters who forget who they are, and are recalled back to their stories by “The Author.”

McIntyre has been working on the novel since her sophomore year and already has over 370 pages written. She hopes to be done with the book in the next month or so.

McIntyre is excused from her second period AP English class to work on this project.

“I go and spend however many hours I have in school, and then go home and spend even more time on it,” McIntyre said.

The goals for her senior project include to complete her book and either have it published online or printed.

“I’m hoping that people will want to read it. I try to keep it interesting and try to keep people guessing,” she said.

Writing a novel involves more than just one person. McIntyre has had many people read and proofread her book, which helps her with the editing process. Whenever she has a new chapter done, she lets her friends read it and give constructive criticism.

She also has had some more professional help with her novel. Her former English teacher from middle school is helping her with the book as well.

“She’s my favorite person ever. I emailed her earlier in the year, and now she hangs out with me, reads each new chapter, and helps out with editing,” McIntyre said.

Another component of her senior project is a six to ten page research paper where she will be writing a feminist criticism of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Specifically, her essay will analyze the symbolism between each of the characters and how they reflect gender roles in society.