How much is too much?

“Seventeen hundred!” yelled one of the senior organizers, “Any more from over there?”

The sophomore group in the back collectively clenched their teeth, paused for a long time, and finally shouted.

“EIGHTEEN HUNDRED!”

The crowd erupted in excitement and burst into cheers. Amid the noise, there were expressions of disbelief and worry.

And that's right. How can a high schooler spend that much money on an event that's meant for fun and relaxation?

That was an actual moment in the 2026 Mercersburg Senior Auction, an event hosted by the seniors, in which they sell clothes, trip opportunities, meals with a faculty member, a picnic or pie, and ultimately, the opportunity to exchange roles with the Head of School for a day. Most of the items end up slightly overpriced but in the laughable and cool range. 

However, a few of the auctioned items sell at a crazy price, and it’s natural to worry that people will regret their choices once the adrenaline fades, especially in a room full of teenagers caught up in the moment. This makes us think about potential regulations of the senior auction–not to kill the fun, but to protect students from making decisions that they later regret.

F irst, the senior auction should establish a clear limit on how much students can bid. To me, it’s five hundred dollars, but it could fluctuate from there. At the auction, students are surrounded by cheering, competition, and friends watching. This environment pushes students to bid higher than they normally would. After a short burst of excitement, contemplation and regret often follow. Therefore, a clear bid limit would balance emotion and logic in bidding rather than engaging pure impulse.

Moreover, the auction should not be a place for rich students to flaunt their financial capabilities but a place of equitable fun for everyone. Students who are unable to make high bids may feel left out or pressured, and that's not what we want at Mercersburg Academy. A bid limit ensures equal play, and the increased crowd this attracts can even make this event more enjoyable and competitive.

Cool-down periods could also balance out the mania. When the bid amount exceeds a certain threshold, students take a break to cool down, reflect, and decide whether to continue bidding. This policy would reduce impulsive decisions driven by pressure and excitement, helping students spend money more responsibly without taking away the fun.

Some people may argue that the senior auction should be completely spontaneous. They believe that the unpredictability and craziness are what make the event special, and they are not wrong in some ways–the energy in the room is part of what makes it memorable. However, excitement shouldn’t come from a loss of responsibility. When the price is high enough, the line between rationality and emotional influence blurs. Therefore, adding a few safeguards to prevent overspending will protect students while preserving the spirit of the event.