Aug 17 2023
The bell rings for the first time in more than 8 weeks, as 1147 students find their way back to class again with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Some students felt like they did not even leave school for the summer at all as athletics conditioning and practice continued throughout the summer. “The football team practiced for about 50 hours.” said Lee Maily.
Presley Jackson agreed that summer commitments were intense. She said, “We practiced for about 55 hours” for tennis, and Nikki Dong said they spent “2 to 4 hours everyday” for cheer practice in the summer.
Some felt like there were new opportunities as the new year begins. Vivian Coat said,”I’m very nervous but excited to make friends.”
Others reflected on new changes, “I am excited for this year’s rodeo season because it is my last year and I will be competing with my sister this year.” Sammie Rackley.
Some felt like they had more opportunities advancing to the high school level, Owen Lawrence, 9th, said, ” I like it more because there is more freedom.”
School leadership has big plans for the coming year. Zachary Daybell said, “This year we’re going to create more Cowboy Pride. We are going to be more inclusive and welcoming to underclassmen, as well to the whole school to create a better environment and spirit of our games and activities.”
New classes including debate, advanced creative writing, fashion design, reading, AP U.S. Gov, interior design, data science, meteorology, and fashion merchandising were added to the schedule as well as 16 new teachers added to the faculty.
Five foreign exchange students from the Netherlands, Japan, France, Italy and Spain have arrived to study here.
William Sullivan, teacher, found some things are still the same as he commented on the new freshmen. He said,”They’re about the same as last year as last year.”
Some set goals for the new year, like Sierra Nickell, who looking ahead for the Cheer team said, “I’m most excited to see how far our drive goes. I’m excited to see how hard we are willing to work and push toward our goals.”
Others want to help new students be successful by passing along a little wisdom. Tatum Carter said,”Be involved with everything. take as many classes as you can and don’t take it for granted.” Miriam Holiday offered another recommendation and said,”Do not fail any classes. They will come back to haunt you and it makes high school so much worse.”
Some students are anxious to get started after fixing a few last minute details. Tyler Dowl said, ” I’m excited to have a schedule.”
Others are already dreading the 10 months of early mornings. Teagan Holmes, 9th, said,” I’m annoyed we have to start so early.”
Many students echoed a similar thought, Jayden Ackensen said,” I’m not not stoked about it, but I’m here.”
Many seniors are already counting down the days. Valeria Grado, 12th, said” I’m excited for graduating.” Easton Jonhson agreed and said, “I’m excited to graduate.”
Others are pacing themselves with a mid-year goal in sights. Brinley Deedricksen said, “I’m excited for Christmas break.”
Some freshman are excited to try on some high school traditions. Sara Porter said,”I’m excited for the chalk fight.”
And so day one concludes, with many more to follow.
