Bigger dreams and bigger halls

By: Olivia Morris, Contributing Writer

​As the 8th graders wrap up their final days in middle school, nerves and excitement for the future fill their minds.

 High school comes with loads of responsibilities, freedom and new challenges. These upcoming freshmen have the chance to set new academic, social and personal goals that could influence their future. For many incoming freshmen this is a transition filled with questions about how to fit in, what to expect and how to make the most of their final four years. 

For some students, the thought of high school is thrilling. Being able to join activities like marching band, theater, FFA, and sports become not just a dream but reality. “I am excited to take fun classes like shop class because I will get to build cool things that will be useful in my future,” says 8th grader Bentley Pollock. High school opens the door to opportunities like advanced classes, extracurriculars and electives that were not available in middle school. 8th grader Zoey Goode states, “The part of high school that I am most excited about is cheerleading and all of my new classes because I now have all of these academic opportunities.”

Others are feeling the pressure of all of the upcoming responsibilities. “I am mostly worried about being able to navigate the hallways and being able to get to class because I am scared I will not know where everything is,” shares 8th grader Lynzie Kable. Many students are already aware of having to find their place in a bigger school and building relationships with new classmates. 

Knowing the school for a few years has given the upperclassmen loads of knowledge about highschool. Most students say that they have a lot of good advice for incoming freshmen every year. Senior Emma Daum advises, “I would recommend studying and doing your work.” Other seniors said they would tell incoming freshmen to walk on the right side of the hall and to stay out of high school drama. 

As they walk across the stage at 8th grade graduation, these students take their first step toward their next chapter. With the right mindset and support, the class of 2029 will make a mark next school year, as they live out the years they will always remember.