Senior year is usually described as a movie, full of awkward moments, unforgettable people, and memories that feel silly but also meaningful at the same time. Few movies capture this mix better than the 2003 cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite” That’s why the journalism chose it as a theme: it’s a movie loved by many, including the 37 seniors who have seen it. Even after over 20 years since it came out, the film still connects with students and teachers because, as PHS science teacher Julie Lentz said, “high school is high school.” No matter the generation, teenagers still have to deal with embarrassment, fitting in, friendships, and figuring out who they are.
A long time fan of the movie, Lentz chose Grandma as her favorite character because she can “spell coccyx.” Her answer shows one of the biggest themes of the movie: being yourself. She also explained that teaching science allows her to relate to the “misfits” in the film because everyone is “a little nerdy in this crowd.” That idea relates a lot to senior year. By the end of high school, many students begin to realize that being different is not something to hide. Instead, it becomes part of what makes people different and memorable. Lentz also connected the movie to everyday school life, saying she sees “Napoleon Dynamite moments” happen a lot while working in a high school.
Students shared similar experiences. Chase Vermillion compared herself to Summer or LaFawnduh because of their confidence. Her most awkward moment was during freshman year soccer when she ducked during a free kick and almost helped the other team score. Moments like that feel straight out of the movie because “Napoleon Dynamite” is filled with embarrassing situations that somehow become laughable memories later. Chase also described senior year as “glitter paper,” explaining that high school was exciting but also full of rough patches.
Ben Bandstra gave another perspective on senior year. His favorite character is Pedro because he loves how confident he is. Bandstra used “duct tape” as a comparison to high school, because “it was smooth but can be pretty sticky,” He said the most awkward/funny moment of his high school experience was the first day of Mr. Beitel’s government class. When asked why he said: “because Mr. Beitel is what you described, awkward/funny,” which is exactly right.
Napoleon Dynamite stays so popular because of how relatable and authentic it is. The movie does not pretend high schoolers have picture perfect lives like other classics might. Instead, it shows the awkwardness, weirdness, and nerdiness that actually occurs in high school. Senior year is not always the best, Weston Ensing even compared it to a water jug, saying it’s “slowly draining,” but it is unforgettable because of the experiences shared along the way.
