The Class of 2029 began their high school careers at Princess Anne High School this year. As the new school year begins, freshmen are learning to adjust to their newfound responsibilities and the academic challenges that come with high school.
Freshmen shared the differences between middle and high school that are the most beneficial to them. Allison Tinaro, a freshman on the girls’ varsity volleyball team, said, “My favorite thing about high school so far is the freedom we get.” She explained that, unlike in middle school, students can move around more and make their own decisions.
Tinaro also mentioned that she knew some upperclassmen on the PA volleyball team, as they previously attended her middle school. Since they were a grade or two higher than her, they graduated from middle school prior to Tinaro. “It was nice reconnecting with them,” she said.
She added that the diversity of the students at PA feels different because multiple middle schools feed into one high school, which “allows [for] more opportunity to meet more people.”
Other students shared similar experiences. Freshman Zachary Lerner said, “One Lunch is way better than the separate lunch periods during middle school.” He explained that it provides more freedom and enables students to socialize more with their classmates. Lerner also acknowledged that, “having one lunch with everyone makes the cafeteria a lot busier,” but he enjoys being able to sit with all of his friends instead of just a few, like he did at his middle school.
After being introduced to higher-level classes, Lerner says that high school courses have a “higher difficulty.” However, he appreciates being able to carry his backpack throughout the day, stating that “everything is more accessible and convenient.”
For many freshmen, a major adjustment has been the increased expectation of self-advocacy.
Freshman Ahmed Dali explained that teachers “treat us like young adults and expect us to stay on top of our assignments.” Dali says this is different from middle school, where “many things were just handed to us, and the teacher would reach out if we were missing assignments.” He said that he is looking forward to getting involved in Homecoming and new traditions, adding that “even though it is a lot at once, it’s exciting.”
Dali described his first weeks at PA as a “smooth transition” and said the start of Homecoming hallway decorations has “proved the PA pride and school spirit of the Class of 2029.” The Class of 2029 has paved the way with school spirit, winning this year’s Homecoming hallways competition.
