Oct. 23, 2018

Students here at Central Kitsap High School come from a range of different places and backgrounds, which results in different experiences here at school. From freshman year to senior year, a student’s high school life or experience may be completely different from another student’s. Some students can pick up and easily adapt to the new building, while others still need some guidance and help.

As the year begins and freshman start to get their first taste of high school, everyone has some sort of impression of the school. Freshman Romi Mahoney, who has traveled and been to many schools aside from CK, says that “it felt like jail because of the school colors and I felt crowded because there was a lot of people.”

Since the high school is a new environment to freshman, it definitely has its differences from middle school. Senior Alex Lowery has been to both CK schools, and says that “high school is more serious to a degree for your classes,” and gives students more opportunities to participate in activities outside of school. He also referenced the size difference, noting that “it’s also a giant building with 1500 people in it.”

Middle school and high school may have their differences, but even just a few years can show changes within the classes. Senior Emily Beeman, who is usually on top of their work and tasks, says that “between freshman and senior year, the work ethic definitely decreased.” She also warns that “Senioritis is definitely a thing!”

Students have grown as people throughout their years in high school, whether it’s physically, mentally, or personal habits. Mahoney has started to act more mature than before in the hopes that “younger students wouldn’t copy the older students [in their mistakes].”

Within the last few years, this year’s seniors have gone through quite a bit. But the memories will stay with them for a few years longer. Beeman, who had been wanting to attend the new building since it was first announced, states “I’m really sad that I won’t be able to experience the new school [but] the teachers at CK make the school worth the four years.” As the year goes by the seniors are aware that their high school experience will be coming to a close soon, while freshman are just starting their future here at CK.

For freshman and the future of CK, some students may have an idea of what will happen but many do not. Mahoney relates to this second group, and states that she’s unsure and that “anything could happen” in her remaining years at CK.

Even though it’s only a few months into the school year,  freshman are beginning to grasp what they need to know, but they’re still adjusting. Some students that wish they had known more before entering the new environment. The seniors advise that students dress for the weather, because it’s most likely that classrooms will be a similar temperature to outside. Beeman also advises that students “take AP World next year! Join clubs and try your hardest so you can keep your options open at the end of senior year.”

“Take classes that interest you,” she says, “ and don’t give up [because] the next few years will slip by really quick.”