Ninth-graders from the Valley's two middle schools toured Douglas High School this week in preparation for next year.
"I'm really excited because it's all new," said 15-year-old Pau-Wa-Lu student Kadie Manderille. "I am a little anxious though, but I am looking forward to meeting new people."
Manderille was one of about 150 students from Pau-Wa-Lu that ventured through the high school on Tuesday. Students were split into groups and led through the various buildings by Douglas High leadership students serving as tour guides. The counseling office, the science wing, and the football field were just some of the places students visited.
Pau-Wa-Lu science teacher Danita Anderson accompanied one group of students on the tour.
"I want them to be prepared for the responsibility," she said. "I just want them to be aware of the fact that they have to start taking care of their own stuff."
Heading towards the 500 hall, freshman Cody Begovich said he's focused on the high school's athletic programs more than anything.
"Hopefully, I'll play varsity baseball next year," said Begovich, who also plays football and basketball.
He's looking forward to off-campus lunch as well.
"It's pretty cool," he said.
He said he's not at all intimidated by the new setting or the additional students that will be joining his class from Carson Valley Middle School.
"I know most of them already," he said.
Making his way around the back of the school, after passing the auto-tech and pottery rooms, 15-year-old BJ Sherwood said he was excited about the variety of classes offered at Douglas High.
"I want to take photography and other art classes," he said. "I think I can get a better education at a bigger school like this, and I'll be able to get a better job later."
Douglas High leadership students Lindsay McKay and Kendra Blum, both 17, led Sherwood and other students through the school, sharing some pointers along the way.
"Parking tags are $10," Blum told the ninth-graders. "Get one before you try to park in the school parking lot, or else you'll get another kind of sticker on your car that's a pain to take off."
The students ended their tour outside at the football field. They filed into the bleachers and sat watching members of the high school jazz team practice on the spring grass.
"They (the freshman) usually do this with the sophomore orientation," Blum said. "But we wanted them to do it sooner, so they can adjust easier."
McKay, who's graduating this year, recalled when she was a freshmen entering the high school.
"I remember being their age and not knowing what to do," she said. "They should enjoy it while it lasts. Now that I'm leaving, I want to go back."
Blum, a junior with one more year left, proffered some other advice for the up and coming.
"Do all your homework," she said. "It's crucial."
