For most Central Kitsap School District students, Tuesday marked only the second day back from spring break. But for over 200 eighth-graders from nearby middle schools, it was more than just a regular school day — it was their first official taste of high school life during The CKHS Experience.
The event held at Central Kitsap High School gave incoming freshmen the opportunity to tour the school, meet staff, and get a feel for campus culture in a relaxed and engaging environment. Unlike traditional freshman orientation, which often centers around information sessions and club booths, this tour was created to be more student-centered and interactive.
“The main thing of this event is going to be a lot more centered towards the student,” newly elected Executive President Kai Livingston said. “Freshman orientation is more for the parents. That’s why I think the parents are coming along; it’s at night, and they can ask their questions to the counselors and talk to the clubs.”
From the moment the eighth-graders walked through the doors, they were greeted with school spirit and energy. The CKHS pep band played upbeat music as students entered the theater. Cheerleaders hyped up the crowd and led students in learning the school fight song. Staff and Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders introduced themselves, setting the tone for a day filled with exploration and connection.
Current students at CKHS played a key role in organizing the event, with Livingston leading the planning effort and creating activities for one of the rotations.
“I was watching Mr. Beast’s videos to find games we could play,” Livingston said. “But then we decided that we could go with a ‘would you rather’ sort of game and center it around our school.”
Beyond games and icebreakers, the event gave the incoming students a candid glimpse of what life at CKHS is like, from navigating the halls to understanding the school culture. Upcoming freshmen, such as Darius Richardson from Ridgetop Middle School, gained meaningful advice throughout the years that may benefit him in high school.
“Just be respectful, just keep your eye to swivel,” Richardson said. “You know, like you always got to just take care of yourself, worry about your business, worry about what you’re doing. [You’ve] gotta read the room sometimes.”
Richardson also noted the welcoming environment created during the event, highlighting how attendees were made to feel comfortable and included from the moment they arrived, which contributed to the overall positive and engaging atmosphere.
“There’s a lot of people,” Richardson said. “So, you see any and everybody communicating. It’s a good time over here. It looks good over here.”
Livingston had a clear goal in mind with pushing the incoming freshmen into creating a long-awaited community and identity.
“I think ever since we moved into this new school, we really haven’t had a school identity,” Livingston said. “I’m really hoping that this incoming class can sort of make that happen.”
While freshman orientation still has its place, particularly for parents to connect with staff and explore clubs, The CKHS Experience served as a unique, student-driven introduction to high school life. According to Livingston, the event was never meant to replace other transition programs, but to supplement them.
“The idea behind [The CKHS Experience] was just to expose them,” Livingston said. “And then during Maze Days, they can really look into the different clubs and things, because that’s a lot more just purely for clubs.”
With music, games, tours, and plenty of student leaders ready to guide the way, CKHS gave its incoming class a memorable and meaningful welcome — one that may set the tone for their next four years.
