With enthusiastic cheers and driving brass and drumline beats, high school spirit groups across Killeen ISD did their part to welcome new and returning students to campus this month.
Ellison High School completed the annual welcome ritual Monday with Eagle Fest as the Screaming Eagle Band, Excalibur color guard, cheerleaders and the Emeralds dance team took the lead in pumping up the spirit in the school auditorium.
Ellison choir members, representing numerous groups on campus, led the new freshmen and family members in the school song.
Ellison Dean of Instruction Angela Espada pointed to the spirit group members as examples of students who find their place on the large campus and urged incoming freshmen to find their interest among the school’s myriad clubs and organizations.
She also urged students to attend class, to do the work and to ask for help when needed.
New students followed their class schedules, spending 10 minutes in each classroom. Upperclassmen joined staff in assisting with the tours.
Seniors Tatiana White and Peyton McGuire, both Ellison theater students volunteered to assist incoming freshmen.
“It’s real exciting to see friends again. I’m seeing teachers I’ve known since freshmen year. It’s exciting to see the new wave of theater freshmen coming in,” said White.
“You have to be active in school to enjoy it and to keep you on track.”
“I’m excited – a little nervous about what I’m doing after high school. I would tell freshmen to do the work and be active,” said McGuire. “That’s how I started to enjoy high school.”
The scene and message were similar across all secondary schools, with readiness days at the middle schools and the orientation events at the high schools.
Chaparral High School hosted its Cat Camp back on Aug. 1. Last Thursday (Aug. 7), Shoemaker, Harker Heights and Early College high schools hosted orientation and Saturday, Killeen High School conducted Roo Roundup.
School starts in KISD Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Following a rousing pep rally at Shoemaker’s Meet the Grey Wolves event Thursday, senior Laila Van Zandt, student council president, explained as well as anyone the importance of getting involved in high school and the thrill of getting a new year started.
“I’m very excited going into senior year. As a freshman I struggled a lot in the beginning, but I realized the more you put yourself out there the more you build your community. I look forward to not only what I get to experience but what I help to get others to experience this year.
“It’s super important to get involved. It’s easy to isolate. At any high school there is something for everyone. If they don’t have it, you find a sponsor and start it,” said Van Zandt.
Student Council, she said, conducts outreach in the community and helps plan campus events like homecoming that give students voice.
“It’s a little scary and also exciting,” she said of launching into senior year. “High school feels super long, but once it’s over you wish you had more time. It’s a big reminder you have to take it all in.”
Ellison Eagle Fest Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328305492
Killeen Roo Roundup Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328293755
Harker Heights Freshmen Welcome Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328236896/
Shoemaker Meet the Grey Wolves Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328241442/
Chaparral Cat Camp Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328098104/