By Salma Zaghari, Staff Writer
As this year has begun, numerous freshmen have entered the halls of River Hill High School, eager to join clubs, make friends, and most of all make memories. High school is a great time to plant seeds and shape your future. Freshman are not nervous this year; classes seem to feel less stressful and organized. Overall there has been an improvement in the school itself. Let’s hear thoughts on a variety of topics regarding the freshman body.
River Hill principal Mikela Lidgard has brought attention to her thoughts on this year’s freshman class. Welcoming the class of 2026 with open arms she hopes to make it a safe space for all. She stated “I think our freshman class has been off to an amazing start, we had a town hall meeting with them at the beginning of the school year, and we were just really impressed with the school spirit they showed, with their attentiveness and with how ready they seem to be here.”
School policy has definitely undergone huge changes this year, affecting both students and teachers. Most students are familiar with the phone, hallway, and lunch line policy, but have different perspectives concerning these new rules, ranging from positive to negative. Caly Smithson shares her views, saying, “I think the hallway policy is nice because last year I did hear there were problems regarding stalls, but the phone policy is a bit unnecessary.” Noor Daoud agrees with CJ Smit, “I understand where they’re coming from as to where the policies are…. But I feel like it’s a little restrictive not to be able to use our phones when we are so dependent on them nowadays.”
Freshman also seem to be intrigued by all the clubs River Hill has to offer. After school clubs and activities provide an environment for students to feel free, enjoy their time and surround themselves with others that they connect with.
Our school also has over 100+ clubs and counting. Some students even say that they are excited to create clubs, Ayo Somori “I think clubs are a really good idea and there’s a club out there for everyone” she also added how excited she is to maybe start up some clubs and join some as well. Mrs. Lidgard also added that she is getting the sense freshmen are interested in creating clubs, showing their determination. After school activities can be seen as a safe space for students to identify with their true interests, not to mention how good it looks on college apps.
Freedom is definitely something that sparks in highschool, and freshmen have spoken about their feelings towards being able to walk to the media center or teachers rooms during lunch, hawktime, and how in general there is much leeway given. Donald Zhuang remarks “I feel like it gives a lot more freedom where I can come to the media center whenever I don’t want to go to the cafeteria for lunch, also there is more freedom for what classes you want to take, and clubs you can choose.” Cally Smithson also agrees stating “Freshman year they give you more freedom then middle school because in middle school they wouldn’t really let you do anything.”
While there has been some confusion on lockers this year, seeing how spread out they are, tons of freshmen seem to be enjoying the extra space and relief that comes with being able to leave some of their belongings safely at school. Leilah Fokar discussed her thoughts stating “I’m thrilled to have a locker, and not have to worry about things being taken, it gives a sense of trust and security.”