"The beginning of the new millennium will bring me to a new era of my life: College. Living away from home, I will depend less on my parents' advice and more on their money. To complete the curriculum, I'll try not to depend on Cliff Notes as much either. At college I will be courted by political candidates for my vote because my opinion will finally mean something when I turn 18," Knipscheer said.

He also made a couple of predictions about national issues.

"The Clinton Administration will declare itself successful and Hillary will run for a senatorial seat from Arkansas -- oops, I mean New York.

"Of course, the much publicized Y2K computer problem will make some newspaper headlines. Clever how computer programmers from just a few decades ago made sure that their high-paying jobs would last just until the end of the century by programming only the last two digits of the date instead of all four digits," he added.

Regardless of all its hype, Knipscheer sees Y2K as nothing monumental. "Really though, unless Jesus makes a cameo, the year 2000 will disappoint a lot of folks. It will be like any other year, except for the three zeroes."

*
*
*

The year 2000, says Conway High School senior Hank Willenbrink, "is an over-exaggerated theme that will lead to many difficulties. But, I don't see the end of the world coming any time soon.

"Doubtless, we will have problems in the government computer systems. Hopefully, the IRS will send all our families tax returns since 1900. However, it is doubtful that the computers will send off nuclear weapons," he said.

Willenbrink, however, seems to generally have faith in his fellow peers. "Regardless of what happens, mankind will no doubt survive."

*
*
*

Conway High School junior Wesley Beal has had enough of year 2000 hype.

"I really don't see what the big deal is," he said. "It's just another year, not some spectacular event or person worthy of all this hoop-la.

"And then there are all those rabid religious fanatics. Not only do they add to all this excitement, they take it to a militant level, something you wouldn't expect from our churches' leaders. Jerry Falwell, for example, has announced his plans for taking shelter in the woods with enough food and weapons to last through 'Apocalypse.'" He called Falwell "an idiot."

Beal believes that the subject of the year 2000 has been taken so far, it's not even worth arguing over any more. Disgruntled, Beal concluded, "At any rate, people have taken this whole thing way of out of proportion."

-- Alison Mellon