Mr. Robert Van Alstyne and Ms. Heather Phillips escorted five Sequoyah seniors and one junior over to Dean Rusk Middle School on Monday, Jan. 14. The students compiled a panel in front of the eighth graders to answer their questions about the transition from middle school to high school. Last week, almost 500 eighth graders filled out a survey on what they were most excited for in high school and what they were most curious about as they enter this new stage of life.  

The panel, which consisted of senior DJ King, senior Collier Pecht, senior Hanna Palmer, senior Brae Davies, senior Sophia Clark, and junior Jace Cameron, included students involved in many activities around school, such as athletics, chorus, drama, and DECA. Each student shared anecdotes and advice with the middle schoolers.  

Amongst the covered topics was the new freedoms that high school allows and how these freedoms bring greater responsibilities. From lunch to dress code to cell phone use, the advising students continually emphasized self-discipline and privilege over right.  

The students also spoke on the many extracurriculars around school. They encouraged the rising high schoolers to get involved and find a balance between school, rest, and outside activities. With opportunities in diverse clubs and organizations, the panel suggested such activities as a way to make quick friends and find their niche.  

Along with giving advice, the board of students debunked some myths and rumors about high school. The seniors and junior confirmed that freshman Friday was not a real thing, which was a hot topic in the questionnaire. Van Alstyne addressed that the “tradition” was not sanctioned by the school and any action on it would be swiftly and harshly dealt with.  

The meeting concluded with Van Alstyne speaking words of encouragement to the Class of 2023. He reinforced the idea of community within Sequoyah and wished the eighth graders luck as they finish off their final semester before they enter high school.