The school has seen an influx of transfers from Thomas More Prep-Marian, commonly known as TMP. Just two of these transfers are junior Ashtyn Toepfer and sophomore Karley Billinger.

“I chose to transfer because there are many more opportunities at Hays High,” Toepfer said. “I think being here will pull me out of my comfort zone.”

Billinger has a much simpler reason for transferring.

“I wanted something different and I was tired of uniforms,” Billinger said.

Billinger found the biggest difference from TMP to Hays High to be the amount of people. Toepfer elaborated.

“At TMP I knew everyone who was in all of my classes,” Toepfer said. “I’m sure I’ll get to know more people but I do not think I will know everyone. My classes are about the same size, but there are many different types of people, whereas at TMP everyone was more alike.”

Billinger disagrees and believes the school and classes seem much bigger.

“The size is so huge compared to TMP,” Billinger said. “The teachers are more laid back and the only thing I miss is the chocolate chip cookies at lunch.”

Toepfer has to think on what she misses.

“I don’t really miss anything from my old school besides a few friends,” Toepfer said. “What I miss the least is how negative everyone was. Hays High has a much more positive and fun environment. I also have less homework here.”

17mcrees@usd489.com