On February 2nd, 2017, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil will pop it’s head out of his home in Staten Island, predicting whether this winter will be lengthy.
The way the groundhog determines the seasons lengths is quite unorthodox. The groundhog sticks his head out and searches for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, he retreats back into his hole and winter continues. On the other hand, if he doesn’t see his shadow, then he escapes his hole and spring comes early.
Since elementary school, students have anxiously waited to hear about their snow day futures, but most high schoolers have lost the interest they possessed in their childhood.
“Groundhog Day is just like any other day for me. I do not go out of my way to find the results,” senior Christy Douglas said.
Sophomore Morgan Crawley believes that the holiday caters towards a younger audience than herself and her peers.
“It [Groundhog Day] is an unnecessary holiday, but I think it is good for the kids. I feel like it caters more towards younger people and it does not hold any true relevance,” Crawley said.
Some students, such as sophomores Logan Cole and Niaja King still consider the groundhog’s actions to be memorable.
“Groundhog Day is not a very important holiday for me, but I do like to be updated on if he sees he sees his shadow or not,” Cole said.
King also considers the holiday to be a holiday of importance.
“I think it [Groundhog Day] is pretty cute. The little groundhog comes out and if he see his shadow and if he does not is a big event. He is very powerful, even though he’s tiny,” King said.
Overwhelmingly, students are hoping for an early spring this year.
“I hope spring is coming. I’m ready for warmer weather, I hope the groundhog gives good results,” Crawley said.
Although many students count on Phil for an accurate forecast, Phil has only a 39 percent accuracy rating according to www.livescience.com. Meteorologists suggest consulting your local news station or farmer’s almanac.
Photo by Gilles Gonthier obtained through Creative Commons.
