By Brittany Christensen
They don't call it the Stallion Showcase for nothing.
“Its an opportunity for and the teachers and the staff to showcase our school to incoming eighth-grade students,” said Tracy Johannes, guidance secretary at the school.
In years prior, San Juan Hills only invited the incoming freshmen from Ladera Ranch, , and middle schools, Johannes said. This year, however, eighth-graders from every middle school in were encouraged to come.
The event will start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with a presentation about guidance, academics and athletics. Then a new-and-improved version of last year's video, “Define Yourself,” made by the student video production group will be shown. Then Principal Tom Ressler will tell everyone about the different booths that make up an expo for the students.
At the some booths, students get a chance to see what San Juan Hills is all about, according to the school's website. Among those with booths will be the student government, AVID – a program designed to help students who will be the first ones in their families to go to college – ROP, various clubs and electives and one for each academic department:
- Math
- Science
- History
- English
- World languages
In these booths, the teachers are expected to explain their own subject. Differently from last year, students from clubs and elective classes will also man booths to meet the eighth-graders and talk about their class or club, Johannes said.
The band, cheerleaders, dance and choir are all expected to perform for incoming students. This also shows them what to expect next year if they decide to get involved in one of these activities, Johannes said.
Also on the schedule is an advanced placement and accelerated presentation workshop. Hosted by Robert Lynde and Darcie Stress, it will inform students and parents about AP and advanced classes and offer insights, such as how to get in the classes and what is required of the students once there.
This annual event is expected to make a big impression on students and parents on their decision to attend San Juan Hills High School.
– Brittany Christensen is a student at San Juan Hills and a staff member of the student newspaper, The Express.
