Guess Who’s Back…. back again!

On August 2nd, Walnut Grove welcomed back its students and staff after a long summer of fun, and they revealed how they feel to be back.
​By: Natonya Clinger, Brayden Downey, Ruby ​Aderhold, Kelsey ​Edmondson, Brylee Faith ​Sanders

Most seniors find it difficult to talk about graduation, with a lot of different responses about how they feel. Some are excited to graduate and leave, and some nervous to go out into the world. After talking to Mason Baker about being a senior and leaving, here are some of his responses “This is my senior year. I’m nervous because I’m still deciding what I want to do with my life. But I’m not that nervous, I’m ready to leave.”

Mason expressed how he felt about leaving some of his teachers, “I’m definitely going to miss a few people for sure. Like Coach Fidd, Shupe, and Ham.” He was also asked about his interest in any upcoming school activities saying, “I’d like to see the football team get better this year, honestly. Other than that, not much.” Though Mason is still deciding what he wants to do after high school, he further explained that he would possibly be going into the military or a  trade school.

Mason hopes to try to graduate with a 3.0 GPA at least. "That’s all I really want to accomplish, other than a high school diploma.”

Many students are starting their first year of high school. Austin Donley, a freshman at WGHS, felt confident about this new school and new year, “I’m not nervous at all. Just excited.”

When asked if middle school was different from high school Austin explained,  “High school is more free, I have a lot more freedom.” Austin then explained that his favorite class so far is probably math, and “Mrs. Wheeler is my favorite teacher.” 

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After Mrs. Rob retired at the end of 2023, Mrs. Carowlinea Bailey became the school's new Spanish teacher. Mrs. Bailey responded with her feelings about being back in school, “Well everybody wanted a longer summer, but I like what I do, so I'm very happy to be back.”

​She continued, “...this is my first year here, so I think I was curious as to what climate I would meet, and what my new students would be like, and what the new culture of the school would be, and what actions the students would have.” She further explained, “Now that I am here I am not really worried about that anymore.” Mrs. Bailey joins WGHS from the Meadowcreek cluster in Norcross. 

High school is a big thing for many people as it's the last phase of their primary education. Gracie Starrett, one of the new freshmen here at WGHS is a new freshman this year. It can be hard for upcoming 8th graders, becoming freshmen and starting high school. Gracie Starrett said, “I'm excited but I do miss traveling softball.” Softball seems to be a big part of her life. “Playing JV softball for the school” was something she was most excited about coming into high school. She then went on to say, “My favorite [class] is PE, but I'm also taking math, English, and ECE classes.”  

​Starting the year off great, some are excited and happy to be back, some think summer ended too soon. But overall students at WGHS are gonna make this year a great one. 

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