By Kara Beard and Anna Berry

On August 2, incoming freshmen and their parents walked in the doors of FC as freshmen focus mentors stood in the halls ready to help.

“We guide the freshmen around,” said mentor Jessica Kingery.

The mentors are available to answer questions parents and students have, such as where a certain classroom is or how to open their locker.

While most of the help mentors give is physically, some help was also mentally.

“I like helping the students because I feel like my experiences can give them advice on how to make their high school experience the best it can be,” said mentor Darian Eswine.

Mentors had activities planned to go over some important rules. The main rule covered was dress code.

“We’ve got a what-not-to-wear skit, were basically it’s a fashion show. People come up in goofy outfits and we tell them to wear it or not.” said Kingery.

Freshman Zach Robinson said the dress code skit helped him learn what he can wear to school and not get in trouble.

Starting high school, as a new chapter in their lives, the freshmen are filled with nerves and excitement

“I’m excited about going to a bigger school and finally being out of Highland Hills, because high school seems so much better than middle school,” said freshman Noble Guyon.

However some students still express a fear as their upcoming day approaches.

“I love it here. The rules mainly,” said freshman Kayleigh Brewer.

Brewer said she is scared about lunch because she doesn’t want to be with the upper classmen.

Getting lost was a big fear among the freshmen.

“It’s high and I feel that it’s so overwhelming,” said freshman Jalyn Kowalski. Kowalski said she is worried about being late to class and forgetting where things are.

Freshman Night Out was not just for the students, but also for the parents. Parents were nervous for their children.

“[I’m nervous for my child] Mainly because the big transition moving into high school, they’re more students,” said Melissa Cora. “When I was in high school, the freshmen were still in middle school.”

Along with being nervous, the parents were also excited. Cora said she is excited about all the opportunities her son will have, while Patty Sears said she is just excited for her daughter to start high school.

At the end of Freshman Night Out, parents and students exited the building in full conversation about high school while they left all their worries at the door.

“I’m not nervous anymore, I’m now most excited about being in a new school and new environment,” said freshman Erin Patterson.