Planets align for an apocalypse. A black hole is created in the solar system. The North and South Poles switch the magnetic pull. These theories of how the world could end have all been disproven. However, with the Mayan calendar ending on Dec. 21, it has led some of the world to believe it just may be the end.

“I don’t think the world will fall apart or explode or anything like that,” sophomore Kristina Herl said. “Maybe the world as we know it might change with government and the way different countries are at war and such in the future. But I don’t think anything geographically is going to go wrong. I bet the Mayans just thought that by 2012 we should be able to continue a calendar ourselves.”

Most students believe the idea of the world ending is ridiculous.

“I think people are being dramatic,” senior Taylor Herman said. “I heard some people are skipping school on Friday because of this. I know people already do crazy and stupid things at times, but this just gives them another excuse.”

Sophomore Jordan Wilson thinks people are “freaking out” because they have led themselves to believe something that most likely isn’t true.

“We can convince ourselves to be scared,” Wilson said. “We will be fine. I promise.”

To Junior Kenny Rounkles, the world should have already ended by now.

“The Mayans don’t have leap years in their calendars and we do,” Rounkles said. “As far as Friday, I think that riots might break out in some places since some people think it’s actually going to end.”

For some, the Bible verse Matthew 24:26 is what backs their reasoning as to why the world will not end.

“According to the Bible, no one will know when the world will end, except God obviously,” junior Alysia Cook said. “I think there are a ton of people who believe it’s going to happen. With that being said, I believe, all hell will break loose. I know a lot of kids aren’t even coming to school Friday because of the threats and whatever else is being said. I’m not scared to be at school, if that’s how I die, oh well. I’ll be in Heaven. I’m not too worried but I know a lot of people are.”

Freshman Matthew Owens is not concerned with people being harmed at school.

“These are all just rumors,” Owens said. “Don’t do stupid things just because you hear they might be true.”

Some students think Friday could be a day for superstitious people to make a scene.

“Hot headed people will do whatever they want to get attention or get in a fight,” senior Laura Truman said. “Those are the people who will probably make the most arousal. If you’re walking down the hallway and accidentally bump into someone, they could easily pull out a gun and use it without thinking. It’s more of a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

While the world may not end, Truman is fearful for what may unfold on Friday.

“I personally don’t think the world is going to end but I’m more worried about the stupidity of hot headed people that could bring on disasters,” senior Laura Truman said. “At school on Friday, I won’t be worrying about the end of the world, I’m just going to be alert and keep my eyes open for the weirdos that could potentially harm me or other students. They could easily do something out of the ordinary just because they wanted to, not because they’re worried about the end, but because of stupidity and ignorance.”

13aarthur@usd489.com