Friday the 13th might be considered cursed, but for WS’s rising freshman class, it was their lucky day.
Ironically, it was the date for this year’s annual Future Spartan Orientation (formally known as the Irving Invasion), where current 8th graders got the opportunity to visit the school they will call home next year. Students from Irving, Lake Braddock, and private schools including St. Bernadette met with their future classmates and teachers, learning about the multitude of clubs, sports, and electives they will have to choose from.
“West Springfield is actually really good academic-wise and sports-wise,” said 8th grader Jordan Bullock. “It seems like it will help me be more of a leader.”
While waves of middle school students flooded the main and auxiliary gyms, WS students displayed posters and signs advertising their various clubs and activities, passing out flyers while Leadership kids attempted to maintain some semblance of order.
Each Leadership student was assigned a small group of 8th graders to guide. Betsy Fawcett, assistant director of student activities and organizer of the event, said, “We wanted to give them a small-group setting, so that they can have an environment where they feel they can ask questions.”
The 8th graders did not always make the Leadership kids’ jobs easy. “They [kept] leaving to go find their friends,” said junior Katie Frost, a leader. “They don’t seem that excited for high school, but that’s probably just because they’re nervous.”
Riley Robinson, also from Irving, said that his older sister, a student at WS, had warned him about high school. “I think the school is nice, but my sister said it’s not very fun,” he said. “All the teachers are very helpful though and the students seem cool.”
For Lake Braddock students, getting a feel for the school was more of a priority than seeing the numerous stations promoting the clubs and courses.
“I’ve actually already picked my classes,” said Emily Norton from Lake Braddock. “Our course selection sheets were due two weeks ago. But this is still pretty cool because I’m less nervous about switching schools now.”
On the other hand, Andrew Russin from Irving said he was excited at the prospect of more classes, and the orientation gave him an idea of what would be a fit for him. “Especially,” he added, “Journalism and Guitar.”
As the event came to a close and students streamed into the auditorium for a closing presentation, the leaders observed the class of ’19. Despite the chaos, the feelings of excitement and anticipation were palpable.
“I’m glad I’m going here instead of staying at Lake Braddock for high school,” said Norton. “So far, West Springfield seems like a pretty nice place.”