submitted by Judy Frost, Public Information Specialist, HFCS
Students from grades 7-12 arrived for the first day of classes at Hoosick Falls Jr.-Sr. High School on Thursday, September 5, eager to begin a new school year for reasons ranging from academics to extracurricular activities to seeing friends and favorite teachers again.
Eighth-grader Eliza Whitman said her goal this year is to get good grades, which she plans to accomplish by paying attention in class. Eliza and her friend Mackenzie Sprague are both looking forward to the formal (dance) in the spring and a successful field hockey season this fall.
Improving academic performance was also on the mind of high school junior Alicia Burdick. “I want to do better than last year,” she said, “because getting into a good college is important to me.”
Seventh-grader Gavin Yetto is excited at the prospect of learning new things. “Math has always been easy for me,” he said, “but I know that I am going to have to study more this year.”
Meanwhile, fellow seventh-grade student Hailey Perkins cannot wait to participate in drama club this year. Hailey’s classmate and friend Dezah Weierbach is an avid reader who is looking forward to grade 7 English and spending time with her friends.
Ninth-grade students Breanna Schnakenberg and Savannah Hunter also cited English as their favorite subject and look forward to reading news and discussing current events in class this year.
Tenth-grader Alex Mendez, whose primary interests are sports and math, is looking forward to attending a play next month with his social studies class.
Some high school seniors might be content to take it easy during their final year but not Briana Burden. Although she needs only three credits to graduate, Briana is taking a full course load her senior year, including woodworking. “I wanted to take it last year but didn’t have time available in my schedule,” she said. “I would much rather fill my day with classes and opportunities to learn than sit in a study hall.”
When asked what makes Hoosick Falls Jr.-Sr. High School unique or special, most students offered similar answers. “The teachers here are always willing to help if you need it,” said Alicia Burdick. “Everyone is very supportive,” high school senior Elise North-Kirkman said.
Fellow senior Hannah Lilac summed it up, saying that the sense of community and Panther Pride are qualities that set Hoosick Falls schools apart.