In the good old days, the yearbook’s purpose was to provide a way to reminisce on fond high school memories. Photographs of pop poll winners posing with Ronald McDonald at Wal-Mart or doing a handstand on the quad illustrated polls like “best strut,” “most friendly,” “biggest contributor to the California Highway Police” (a.k.a. worst driver), “trend setter” and “wild thang.”

Unlike the pop polls that recognized seniors who stood out because of their personality and escapades, this year’s are missing something. I want to look back on my yearbook and laugh, not gag at the so-called “hotties.” Sorry to rain on your parade, but many senior girls and guys are attractive, not just the ones that win pop polls. More often than not, pop poll winners win because their three best friends and two stalkers voted for them while every other semi-attractive person got only four legit votes.

Here is my question—why are there six pop polls that judge appearance (”most desirable,” “most attractive,” “hottie with the body,” “best eyes,” “best smile” and “best hair”) and only one that judges personality? This sends the erroneous message to students, particularly impressionable underclassmen, that in order to be popular, one must be attractive.

Also, we have five overachiever pop polls (”most likely to succeed,” “future president,” “teacher’s pet,” “most talented” and “most athletic”). Yes, they may honor enviable qualities, but they also contribute to pressure at Gunn. Everyone should strive to be the best he or she can be, not necessarily better than everyone else.

Then there are the mean pop polls (”biggest gossip,” “biggest ego,” “drama king and queen” and “teacher’s worst nightmare”). Although they can be funny, they can also hurt feelings. Perhaps the worst pop poll of all is “cutest couple,” especially if they break up, hate each other and are forced to recall painful memories every time they open their yearbooks. Pop polls, somewhat appropriately, have become yet another school-sponsored popularity contest. Let’s make them fun again.