8th Graders Transition to High School

8th graders Clay H. and Maleeah P.

by Hunter R. and Tyrell I.

With the Class of 2019 set to graduate this year, it is time to shine the light on the future and welcome the graduating class of 2023 to John I. Burton High School. Since Burton is an 8th-12th grade high school, this is the 8th graders' first year. We took the time to interview some of the kids in the class of 2023 about their experiences so far coming to the high school.

Most of the students interviewed said they like having more freedom here at the high school. Dauntae Keys responded by saying “My experience so far has been amazing. I have had a whole lot more freedom here, and I'm really enjoying it.” Maleeah Peters agreed, “My experience has been great. We have more freedom here at the high school than we did at the elementary school.”

We also asked some students if they missed the elementary and middle school. Caleb Sluss said, “No, I don’t really miss anything about the elementary school because we have more freedom over here than we did there.” Ellie Williams said she did not really miss anything in particular about this elementary and middle school either. However, Cheyenne M. said “I miss the food at the elementary school more than anything.”

The 8th graders we interviewed shared diverse answers on what they are looking forward to in high school. Some are looking forward to being old enough to attend prom and graduation while others are just looking forward to growing, learning, and making more friends.

Now that they are in high school, the 8th graders are also starting to think more about what they want to do after they graduate. All of the students interviewed said that they want to go to a 4-year university and/or a career technical school. Some of the careers mentioned were nursing, mechanic, cosmetology, and teaching.

8th grader Caleb S.