Middle school: a time of unforgettable moments, and lessons that shape students into who they are.

“Middle school was very fun to experiment with who I was and go through phases. I definitely experimented a lot with looks and styles so that helped shape me into the person I am now. I definitely dressed differently and acted a little immature, but since then, I have found clothes that I like and suit my style.” senior Madeline Nichols said.

The awkward years of middle school help students grow.

“The best part of middle school for me was getting my colored contacts. It made me feel super confident, and I still wear them to this day,” senior Ameera Hooks said.

Classes from years ago make strong impacts on students to this day.

“My favorite memory from middle school was definitely making the pillows in FACS class with Mrs. Hockersmith. I used black and blue fabric for the outside and used white thread to make an N,” senior Nishtha Miyani said.

Friendships could be considered the best part of school

“My favorite memory was my middle school friend group that stayed together for all three years. We had a group chat called ‘The coolest kids in school,’ and we talked all of the time in it. Those girls were my best friends, and we still sometimes talk today during school. We had a rough break up in high school, though,” Hooks said.

Middle school activities blend into high school extracurriculars.

“The best part of middle school was probably being in the marching band even though I was a middle schooler because it was like going from being in middle school to hanging out with all these high schoolers. It was a really cool experience, especially for the age,” senior Noah Aylsworth said.

Students had to make the best out of covid quarantine, though.

“I loved playing Fortnite with my friends during quarantine. We did not have to worry about any homework due to e-learning being easy, and we just played together in the game,” senior Zeigen Mahachanh said.

The Class of 2026 was the last class to be in middle school when COVID-19 happened. 

“We had to do online school which I did not like. I was not really interested in doing my work. I should have been more invested in my work and keeping up with it,” senior Tyre Benjamin said.

Covid changed students’ outlook on school and life.

“In middle school, I was independent. I did not ask for help often, and I was really just going through everything on my own. If my work did not get done, then it did not get done, and that’s where I started going wrong. But as I got older, I started working harder and prioritizing school. Being in middle school during COVID definitely changed me for the better,” Benjamin said.

Students regret taking middle school studies for granted

“The best year of middle school was seventh grade because you finally got comfortable and nothing was stressful. Everything was just fun,” Hooks said.