Every year Leadership Team hosts an eighth grade visitation. The eighth graders come and explore the high school to get ready for next year.

Senior Caden Cunningham was one of the leadership team members who helped show the eighth graders around.

“It went great,” Cunningham said. “They were all very kind and mature.”

Senior Jace Armstrong helped to show the eighth graders around as well.

“The visit went very smooth,” Armstrong said. “We first introduced them to some of the staff then took them on a tour of the school. After the tour, we helped them with their pre-enrollment for next year. Then we let them experience lunch at the high school level.”

Armstrong loved answering the questions the eighth graders had.

“They were not afraid to ask questions and some thought they knew more than me,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong remembers his eighth grade visitation day.

“It helped me a lot when I was an up and coming freshman, and it eliminated my fear of high school,” Armstrong said.

Senior Katie Brungardt also helped give the eighth graders a tour of the school.

“I think it went really well,” Brungardt said. “My favorite part was the tour and showing them around while telling them about all of the different classes.”

Brungardt feels the visit was very beneficial.

“I think they learned a lot of new information,” Brungardt said. “I remember all of their names even though I won’t be at the school next year to help them out. Maybe I will see them over the summer and help them to not be so nervous for the upcoming school year.”

The school counselors help to put on the eighth grade visitation as well. They have been putting it on for eight years now, with the help of Leadership Team.

Suellyn Stenger is one of the counselors who helps oversee everything.

“The Leadership Team did an excellent job of mentoring the eight graders,” Stenger said. “They were conversational, enthusiastic, energetic and focused. The eighth graders were very well behaved and excellent listeners. It was a great morning.”

Stenger feels that the entire day was a complete success from start to finish.

“The eighth graders were very engaged,” Stenger said. “It was a great day for Hays High.”

17kbrooks@usd489.com