The cafeteria buzzes with excitement and the air fills with the smell of popcorn and pulled pork sliders. Students and parents stop by decorated booths, holding pamphlets while representatives and teachers gladly explain their program.
On Jan. 29, eighth-graders and underclassmen participated in Experience THS, an annual event held in the cafeteria. The participants hoped to gain insight into future classes and careers.
“The purpose of this event is to let kids who are coming into high school have a glimpse of what we have to offer,” CTE teacher Mark Ahrens said. “I personally enjoy being able to show what classes I offer and to go more in-depth before students actually sign up.”
Several classes and clubs such as engineering, publications, BPA, student council and other Dual Credit classes provided by Texarkana College held a spot in the event.
“I didn’t know there were so many different types of classes here at Texas High,” incoming freshman Noah Pritchett said. “I’m definitely going to sign up for as many as I can.”
Students from Texas High also participated in helping the event by serving food provided by THS Culinary, connecting with kids and talking about each other’s careers.
“I have been doing this for the past two years, and I enjoy it every time,” sophomore Griffin White said. “Talking to other students about my experience at Texas High is something that I personally enjoy doing.”
Meanwhile, Texas High allowed eighth-grade students and families to tour the high school. Students toured places like the CTE labs, Sullivan Performing Arts Center and the Math and Science Building in hopes of letting them experience how the school works before entering their freshman year.
“Touring for the students was a fun experience,” senior Daisy Ontiveros said. “I got to show several kids the robotics room and what I have been working on in my four years of high school. I hope several kids will take my place and continue to build a legacy for Texas High.”
Overall, Experience THS continues to be something that students will remember when entering Texas High. As choice sheets are distributed to the eighth graders this week, this will help them decide on what to pick and even what they want to pursue in their careers.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I walked in there,” incoming freshman Owen Walker said. “Now, I can actually think of what I want to pick instead of reading it on a choice sheet at home. I think every student coming from eighth grade should check this out.”
