Tuesday, February 26, OHS welcomed incoming freshmen from C.W. Stanford, Gravelly Hill, and A.L. Stanback middle schools by allowing them to meet with teachers before signing up for classes. After attending a presentation at 6:30 pm held by administration, the rising freshmen and their parents walked through the Panther’s Den and the cafeteria, meandering through various booths informing the students about clubs, academic departments, and specific classes in order to help the students make a smart decision about signing up for their classes. And the freshmen had many choices to choose from. Mark Greenstreet was one of the teachers who manned the English Department booth, playing his guitar to attract visitors. The Art Club booth was decorated with various pieces of art to showcase the talent of the students. The Robotics Club even sold items, such as rubber ducks, to attract potential members to their booth.
Senior Ashley Hinkle, an advanced art student, manned the colorful Art Club booth, and was glad to be a part of the night. “I think the freshmen should know the great clubs we have at OHS, and I wanted to help out Art Club because it’s good to be involved. Art is a really important aspect in anyone’s life because it’s a true expression of one’s self. You just have to be passionate about it. I hope rising freshmen will learn about Orange High and the Art department. It’s all a learning experience, really, and it’s best for them to know as much as possible.”
Senior Grace Huskins, who helped with the Latin booth, hoped to impart her knowledge onto the incoming freshmen. “It makes me feel good [helping at Freshman Open House] because I am able to pass on what I’ve learned in these past four years onto incoming freshmen. I hope that freshmen will be less afraid to go to high school and understand the differences [between middle school and high school].”
Gravelly Hill 8th graders Travis Johnson, Ryan Puckett, Tyler Compton, and Nathan Rogers said that the Freshman Open House changed their view on going to high school. “I’m excited. I’m ready to meet new people,” one said. They all agreed that they were looking forward to “football, the ladies, and FFA.”
Michael Huskins, another Gravelly Hill 8th grader, admitted that he was nervous about high school, and said that that didn’t change too much by attending the event. However, he did say that he felt more prepared for next year.
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