BY NOAH CASTAGNA
“The auditorium was full of excited energy,” 9th grade guidance counselor Mr. Ziccardi said, describing the anxious anticipation of the crowd of 8th graders stepping onto Cooper City High School’s campus for the first time.
That was the scene last Thursday as the Class of 2021 piled into the CCHS auditorium, awaiting information covering the next big change on their horizons, the transition to high-school. The CCHS Jazz Band kicked off the ceremony with their musical prelude, playing in SGA President Carolina Chiari to speak on the spirit and great student body of the school. Chiari was followed up by the Presentation of Colors by the NJROTC Color Guard and National Anthem by the CCHS Chorus, the energy of the room palpable.
“The turnout was great and the group was outstanding,” Ziccardi said.
After the Chorus finished their number from the acclaimed musical Hamilton, Principal Wendy Doll took the stage to give the students a warm welcome to CCHS and give them an idea of what to expect from their next four years here. Ms. Abel followed Principal Doll up with a presentation entitled “Planning for Rigor,” which covered the basics of meeting graduation requirements and making smart academic decisions.
“Be ready to be responsible, work hard, and manage your time wisely,” AP Human Geography teacher Mr. Hinely, who was there to explain the benefits and challenges of the AP course to concerned students and parents alike, said.
Then parents and students were dismissed to visit a variety of classes and subjects in four 15-minute sessions beginning at 7:35 pm and concluding at 8:50 pm. Sessions offered included discussion with the 9th Grade Guidance Counselor, Acting, Art, Band, Computer Science, Chorus, Drafting, Debate, Digital Media, Early Child Care, English, ESE, Fashion and Marketing, Finance, Journalism, JROTC, Math, Robotics, Science, Social Studies, Visual Tech, and World Languages. Parents and students came armed with a variety of questions and concerns that needed to be cleared up before 8th grades submitted their Course Selection Sheets in Monday.
“The 8th graders had a lot of questions…it was good to give them an idea of what to expect,” Hinely said.
As for student-to-student advice, CCHS former Freshmen had much to say.
“The biggest thing is, don’t be nervous,” CCHS Junior Tyler Lewis said. “You will get through it.”
