Homework Task: Senior Year of a High School Advertisement

 “ “Senior Year of a High School” is a powerful advertisement aimed at parents of teenagers to make them aware that being a teen and growing up can be a time of vulnerable risk taking and making the wrong decisions. The advertisement was designed to give parents advice on ways they can influence their teen during this time to make the right decisions that will benefit them now and later in life. This advertisement emphasises that this stage in a teens life is a time of making the wrong decisions, and that it is essential for the parent to be there to guide their adolescent in the right direction. For example, veering them away from exposure to dangerous behaviour, the possible temptations of alcohol consumption and the use of illicit drugs. The article would not have been aimed to teenagers a teenage audience because it would not be taken into any consideration, with the intended message of the advertisement not a concern to them. The viewer is firstly presented with the title “Senior Year in High School. A Time of Nostalgia, Excitement, Possibility and Temptation”, followed by a by line which ensures the parent that even though their teen may be graduating soon, they shouldn’t let go right away. These two important elements encourage the reader to continue because they want to know why it is not time to let. The viewer is then directed to an image, where the focus is a girl who is presented with different pathways. This image is powerful in emphasising the vital nature of this time, supporting the fact that it is a time of important decision-making and a world full of opportunities. Following this image is where the meaning of the advertisement lies, it is supported by statistics, and points advising and commanding parents on ways which they can support their son/daughter in making correct decisions and keeping them safe and healthy. The use of command and capital letters throughout the advertisement reinforces the understanding of this stage in life and what needs to be done to ensure a bright future for all teenagers. The advertisement “Senior Year of High School” positions the reader, to view adolescence as a time of excitement and growing up yet also a time of risk taking and making decisions. The article encourages the importance of parents and their role in assisting their teenager in making the correct choices for life.