The 2023/2024 school year has finally begun, and the Bulldogs are already off to a great start. Although, staff and students must face some of the biggest changes Lakeview has seen in a very long time. Never fear, these changes have been implemented to help the Dawgs achieve their biggest goal: victory.
As all of the district knows, we have had the opportunity to welcome so many new faces to Lakeview High this year. Not only new students, but new teachers as well! Joining us we have Jaclyn Muccio, Nicholas Facciolo, Alyssa Tillis, Sean Voorhees, Matt Baker, Lora Comichisto, Thomas DiMarino, Lisa Donaldson, Emily Gerak, Stacie Lawson, and Renee Derr. Unfortunately, we did lose a few staff members too, but their time here will forever have an impact on our beloved school. All of which provided students with an incredible learning experience and will be greatly missed.
Not only do we have new staff, but we opened our hearts to an entirely new grade this year as well. Eighth grade students will learn alongside high school students and get a taste of what high school is really about.
I asked current eighth grade student Madi Tsai how she felt being in the high school and she told me that, “I really like having a bigger school but it is very crowded. I also enjoy the extra locker space and getting to see all of the artwork around the school.” Tsai also proclaims that “Mr. Voorhees is my favorite teacher, I’m glad he decided to come to the high school this year.” Voorhees, who formally taught at the middle school, recently moved up with his students to teach American History, which Tsai says “[ History ] is my favorite class and I am really excited to see what I get to learn this year. I am also super thankful I get to experience high school a year early so I will be extra prepared for next year, and already know my way around.”
The eighth grade students aren’t the only ones acclimating to the modifications. Juniors and Seniors that belong in the CCP program also had to readjust due to some classes being removed. Many students were upset by the fact that they could not participate in the courses they prepared for, but it seems that the students have found this as a new path to take and are ready to face any challenges thrown at them.
Junior Meliah Persino who has just entered her first year in the CCP program recently had to undergo some changes that she wasn’t expecting. Persino, who is a very skilled artist and has won awards for some of her art work through the school, was excited to take CCP Art History this year, only to discover that it is no longer available. However, this was an opportunity for her to try something new, and it ended up being a very beneficial experience. Persino claims that, “At first I was pretty upset that I wasn’t able to take Art History, but because I had an open spot on my schedule, I was able to take psychology instead. I wasn’t as prepared for this class and I didn’t know much about the subject but I am now very fortunate that I took this class because it is very interesting and I enjoy learning about the human mind and how it works. Overall even though the situation wasn’t what I expected it to be, Lakeview still provided me with a good outcome and a fun class to take.”
Not only are academics affected, but sports are as well. More specifically, the football team who received a new coach. I asked junior Thomas Easton who is a running back for the Bulldogs how he felt about this. Easton said, “Coach Bush has helped me a lot since I have returned to Lakeview. He has made me feel welcomed and at home again. He has also taught me a lot about not only being a good player but being a good person. I am thankful for the school bringing him here and I’m ready to see where he takes this program in the future.” So it sounds to me like the bulldogs are going to be improving both on and off the field.
Overall, the Bulldogs haven’t failed to persevere and continue to rise above. The staff and students are adapting well to the adjustments and are off to an amazing start!
Go Dogs!
