The change from middle school 8th graders to high school freshman is often seen as a challenge.  Some students take it well while others think it’s just hectic.

“It’s a pretty big leap from middle school but I took it on like a dragon with wings!” said freshman Tristan Zeiders.

As a 9th grader you do get more freedom but with that comes more responsibility. Freshman are expected to be in class when the bell rings and teachers will not accept being late.

“I have been having trouble getting to class on time, I mean it’s just ridiculous. The hallways are so crowded and getting from one end of the school to the other in 3 minutes is very tough,” said freshman Levi Walk.

Junior Adam Zook said “I went through the transition well. I think the reason why is because I knew a lot of upper classmen and I really liked all of my teachers.”

“I also liked finally being in high school and all the social vibe.” Zook also said about his freshman year.

To most students they really like high school and have taken on the challenge of a new grade.

Some advice for future freshman from Dean of Students Luke Rhoades is to “make sure you take this year seriously.”

One of the things the school does to help make the transition as smooth as possible is a first period class called “freshman seminar.”  All freshman have this class, which is designed specifically to help them make the transition from middle to high school.

This period is used for advisory or a study hall. Teachers and students check their grades at least once a week. Occasionally on Fridays, guest speakers speak to the students.  Students last year really enjoyed some of the speakers, such as Mr. Merryman’s “History of Tyrone” and others.

Students also explore careers in advisory class. This way students have reassurance to know where to go to for help.

“I think the seminars and advisory really help the students get their work done and stay caught up,” said 9th grade advisory Leah Deskevich.