Rising ninth graders are preparing for the next school year with an inside look at extracurricular activities to consider taking in high school. The Incoming 9th Grade Preview Night took place on Feb. 26 from 6-7 p.m. Eighth grader Jaidyn Koontz found it fun to be diverse with choosing her schedule.

“Usually in advisory everyone would fill out the same papers but I mixed mine up,” Koontz said. “I wanted to have fun and not worry about it.”

Koontz interests include photography, broadcasting, journalism, and business and management. On the other hand, she feels nervous about how she’ll academically adjust to the classes in high school.

“I’m worried about how I’ll do in them,” Koontz said. “I’m worried about being in an expo with higher graded people also.”

The new club Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) attended their first preview night. Sophomore Jager Wirth, president, and sophomore Jayden Rosser, vice president, represented the club.

“It was definitely a new experience,” Wirth said. “It’s more of a coming-of-age thing.”

This event allowed incoming high schoolers to see different ways of being involved in school. Agriculture teacher Michelle Preslar feels extracurriculars aren’t just for the students, it helps families come together and support the school community.

“Extracurriculars are family events,” Ms. Preslar said. “I look for students that want to learn, they want to participate, they want to be active and they try.”

Freshman Counselor Brittany Mathews hosted the preview night and feels it will help incoming 9th graders discover new classes and extracurricular activities.

“I am really excited that the 9th Grade Preview Night was well attended,” Ms. Mathews said. “I definitely want to continue this event in the future and hopefully grow it even more,”  “I think it is such a great way for new 9th graders to explore what is available for them at the high school and for teachers and current students to advocate for their programs.”

There were 32 booths at the event. Students and parents that are interested in what classes or activities rising 9th graders can pursue, may contact Ms. Mathews for further information at [email protected].