Carolyn Vandagriff went from Keysor to NKMS, and now to KHS, following in the footsteps of her brother, Thomas, a sophomore. Her first real introduction into high school will be band camp, but from there, she will continue to follow her interests in theater with the drama department at Kirkwood.
Q: How are you feeling about going into high school?
A: I’m pretty nervous, but I’m also excited for all the new experiences. [I’m ready] to meet new people and to try new things.
Q: How are you feeling leaving middle school?
A: I feel sad, but at the same time, I’m ready to start a new chapter [of my life].
Q: Is there anything you’re worried about in regards to new classes and people?
A: I’m [mostly] nervous about not having any classes with my friends, but I know I will make new friends [as well]. I would say I’m a kind, friendly person, and I think that helps a lot with making new friends.
Q: What activities are you looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to the plays, musicals and marching band. [But], I’m most excited to see all my friends. I’ve missed them so much, especially my bestie Helena.
Q: How do you think having an older sibling will help and/or hurt you going into KHS?
A: I think it will definitely help because I know more about teachers and classes, but it can definitely hurt because my brother [will] tease and joke around with me [in school].
Trip Nieman went to Nipher and has been a part of the Kirkwood swim team for years. He spent his summer at Joseph Baldwin Academy at Truman State, working at Camp Kirkwood and going on a road trip around the Northwest.
Q: How do you feel about going into high school?
A: A little nervous, but mostly excited. I’m excited for [meeting new] people. I consider myself pretty extroverted. [I’m ready] to make new friends and to have more opportunities to talk to other people.
Q: What class are you most nervous for?
A: Physics, because I heard that it can be really hard. But, I did [well] in Algebra. I consider myself to be pretty good [at math]. I can understand and solve more advanced problems, but it can take [some] time before I understand what I’m doing.
Q: What are you most excited for?
A: I’m looking forward to swim. I’m on the swim team. It’s all about improvement and getting faster and stronger.
Q: Anything you’re excited for before school starts?
A: I’m excited for [finishing work] at Camp Kirkwood and going on vacation. [My family and I are] spending [time] in Kansas, Colorado, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Wyoming.
Q: What strength do you have that will help you in high school?
A: I’m able to talk to anybody. I like [getting] to know people. Making friends allows you to learn about yourself, [as well as] the other person.