With the 2024-25 school year beginning, freshmen are getting adjusted to life in high school and many firsts in high school. First time walking in the building, first class, first lunch at Southwest, and first school dance. From being the oldest in middle school to the youngest, there are lots of changes happening for these students . Freshmen are excited for many aspects of the Silver Hawk life.

“I’m excited to play sports,” freshman Tripp Bahe said. “It’s a great way to meet new people, which I’m also excited for.”

Meanwhile, seniors are getting ready for their first lasts. Last first day, last football game, last time walking into Southwest, and last time leaving the LSW parking lot. Seniors have different feelings about moving forward and their planning after graduation.  

“I’m going to go to a four year college,” senior Milana Johnson said. “I’m going to go to College at St. Mary’s for psychology. I’m  doing it because I really want to help people and classes have helped me realize that.”

With the freshman transferring their routines from eighth grade into freshman year, there are first thoughts and ideas of what their new school experience is going to be like. 

“I first thought it was a really big school,” Bahe said. “I got lost the first day a lot and It’s kind of confusing and stuff but it gets a lot better. The helpers from the first day were awesome in helping me find my classes.” 

With life beyond Southwest, seniors are starting to reminisce on the things they remember from the past, friendships, activities, and lifelong memories.

“I liked making friends here and being able to be involved with things,” Johnson said. “When I did unified track that was fun, I really liked that because I made a lot of memories.”