The Everett School District requires that every student complete a senior project, with a thesis paper and presentation to a panel of judges.

Last year, two kids at Jackson didn't graduate because they didn't get the project done. But this year, 60 kids won't be graduating.

"We want to make sure that every single kid that walks across that stage really deserves to walk across as a graduate of Jackson High School," said Principal Fred Dahlem.

Some students feel the school is being too hard on the seniors.

"Well yeah, they bust their tails all their high school career - and just because they don't do one little project now they aren't walking," said student, Ace Mansoor.

Others insist that the kids who don't graduate, can only blame themselves.

"I think it's kinda their fault 'cause they had a year to get this stuff done. They just chose to wait till the last minute," said Greg Taylor, who will get to graduate with his class.

Dahlem says he can't figure out why this year, things are so different.

"I don't know. They are a different class, a different group of kids, with a different approach, different motivation in the class," he said.

The students will get a second chance. If they have their projects done by Friday. And if they don't graduate with their class but they do finish their project over the summer - they can still receive their diploma.