High school can seem like a daunting place for incoming freshmen, so finding the right resources is crucial in creating a variety of opportunities for new beginnings. When transitioning to a new school, it can be difficult to open up to high school culture, but it is important to take risks and contribute as a member of the FHS community. With a new and unfamiliar environment, new students tend to stray away from high school events, which are significant to FHS culture. Senior ASB class member, Anagha Ayyagari encourages new students to attend school spirit events.
“I wish that I went to more of the rallies,” Ayyagari said. “I missed out on a lot because I just thought they weren’t fun until I started going to them.”
School rallies and events build community at FHS. There are games, live performances from the FHS cheer team and Featherettes and live music from the FHS band.
FHS rallies are typically on Fridays during flex. The week of a rally is a spirit week, which consists of a different theme each day of the week that students dress up in and have fun with. A few past themes this school year include Barbenheimer, Disney Day and Soccer Mom vs. Barbecue Dad. Each of these themes are constructed by the FHS ASB, who come up with fun ideas and activities in the best interest of FHS students. These spirit weeks are a great way for students to get to know each other, through the outfits that each student has come up with, and build a strong sense of community at FHS.
FHS culture creates a supportive dynamic, which has so much significance to community building. One way students can support FHS is by attending the school’s Friday Night Lights, another FHS favorite. The student section, also known as the Fire Pit, at football games is decked out in a given theme as students cheer on the football team. Being in the student section gives a great bonding experience through the collective experience of striving for FHS victory. The Fire Pit leads loud and fun cheers students can follow along to, in order to show support and school spirit. Attending football games is also a great way to open up to peers, as it is a significant part of any high school experience. Football games can be intimidating at first, but will lead to amazing memories with friends.
“I’m definitely going to more football games,” FHS freshman Oliver Trigalo said. “I went to two football games already and they were a lot of fun and overall a great experience.”
Extracurriculars are also a major part of your high school experience. This can include clubs, sports, student cabinets and more. These are all opportunities to meet new people with the same interests. It is very common for freshmen to initially avoid these things as they are a large and unfamiliar pool of activities, or they simply are not sure what or where they are.
“I was gonna go to the club, but I didn’t know where it was, so I didn’t end up going,” Trigalo said.
Students in a similar situation can check out the ASB class’s instagram, @firebirdfelipe, or the Instagram account corresponding to the class’s Instagram account, where there are updates about spirit weeks, deadlines, club meetings and events. Another great resource is Schoology, where there are updates on clubs, as well as volunteer opportunities, sports seasons and extracurricular opportunities. More information is discussed during morning announcements, and students can always ask an administrator or teacher. It is very important that students are able to find these resources to be able to take full advantage of the amazing opportunities that FHS has to give.
So, during the next four years at FHS, being involved, supporting peers and taking risks will make for a great dynamic where the FHS community can all support each other and create more memorable experiences together. Here at FHS, students are respectful to all cultures, and are all inclusive, so do not be afraid to take some risks. The FHS community hopes to see more of the class of ‘27 at upcoming football games, club meetings and participating in the sports department.
